Regulations relaxed on Lewis River spring chinook sport fishery

April 29, 2003

April 29, 2003

Regulations relaxed on Lewis River
spring chinook sport fishery

Action: Salmon anglers will continue to be able to keep two adult chinook as part of their six hatchery salmon daily limit on the Lewis River (including North Fork). In addition, the North Fork Lewis River will remain open for hatchery chinook, trout (including hatchery steelhead), and other gamefish upstream to Merwin Dam. Fishing from floating devices will be allowed from Johnson Creek upstream to Colvin Creek.

Effective date:

May 1 through July 31-daily limit six hatchery salmon but no more than 2 adults.
May 1 until further notice - North Fork Lewis River from Colvin Creek upstream to the overhead power lines below Merwin Dam remains open to fishing for hatchery chinook, trout (including hatchery steelhead), and other gamefish.
May 1 until further notice - Fishing from floating devices will be allowed from Johnson Creek (located downstream from the salmon hatchery) upstream to Colvin Creek (located upstream from the salmon hatchery).

Species affected: Hatchery chinook, trout (including hatchery steelhead) and other gamefish.

Location: Lewis River from boundary markers at mouth upstream to mouth of East Fork; North Fork Lewis River from mouth to overhead power lines below Merwin Dam.

Reason for Action: Pre-season forecast is for 3,100 adult spring chinook returning to the Lewis River in 2003. This is an improvement over the recent years' return. Early in-season hatchery returns indicate the hatchery escapement goal should be achieved.

Other information: Salmon daily limit is six hatchery fish but no more than two adults. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild chinook.

Trout (including hatchery steelhead) daily limit is two fish. Minimum size 20 inches. Release wild steelhead and wild cutthroat. Other gamefish - statewide rules.

Information contact: John Weinheimer, (360) 696-6211

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. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

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.