Reopens the Dungeness and Gray Wolf rivers to fishing

October 20, 2022

Reopens the Dungeness and Gray Wolf rivers to fishing

Action: Reopens fishing

Effective date: Oct. 22, 2022

Species affected: All species

Locations:

  • Dungeness River (Clallam Co.) from the mouth upstream
  • Gray Wolf River (Clallam Co.) from the mouth upstream

Reason for action: The Dungeness River was closed due to unseasonably dry weather and extreme low water conditions. Expected precipitation and a forecasted rise in flows will allow fish to move upstream to spawning grounds and fishing to reopen.

Additional information: Fishing rules are as described in permanent regulations and in the 2022-2023 Sport Fishing rules pamphlet.

Recreational fishing access in the lower Dungeness River is currently limited due to river restoration projects. Anglers are advised to avoid all active construction sites including:

  • At the Old Schoolhouse, levee construction in progress.
  • Towne Road, between the Schoolhouse and the Dungeness Valley Creamery, is closed.
  • The Old Corps Dike is closed from the Creamery downstream.
  • Construction site, off Fish Hatchery Road, just downstream of the Dungeness Hatchery.

Chinook salmon have finished spawning in the Dungeness River, but concerns remain that the eggs in the gravel are vulnerable. Anglers are requested to avoid stepping on Chinook salmon redds, which appear as depressions in the gravel.

Anglers can be notified of in-season rule changes by downloading the FishWA app or signing up for fishery change notifications by email at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact: Region 6 Office, 360-249-4628

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, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.