Puyallup River system closes to all fishing March 1

February 12, 2003

Actions: The Puyallup and Carbon rivers will close to all fishing March 1, 2003.

Effective date: March 1, 2003 through May 31, 2003.

Species affected: Steelhead and all other fish.

Location: The Puyallup River from the 11th Street Bridge upstream to the Soldier's Home Bridge at Orting and the Carbon River from its mouth to the Highway 162 Bridge.

Reason for action: The pre-season forecast for the Puyallup river system wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2002/2003) is 1,127 fish, 56 percent of the basin's escapement goal of 2000 fish. The season closures will eliminate hooking mortality and disturbance of spawning fish.

Information contact: John Long, Fish Biologist, (360) 902-2853.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.