Restrictions will be in effect for this year's Wind River spring chinook fishery

February 14, 2013

February 14, 2013

Restrictions will be in effect for this year’s
Wind River spring chinook fishery

Action: Daily limit reduced from two to one fish. Lower river season delayed two weeks (April 1 opener) and two poles will not be allowed. The upper river will remain closed.

Species affected: Chinook and steelhead

Effective date and locations:

Effective March 16 through March 31, 2013 the entire river will be closed to fishing.

From April 1 through July 31, 2013 the daily limit will be 1 hatchery chinook or 1 hatchery steelhead from the mouth (boundary line/markers) upstream to 400 feet below Shipherd Falls. Wild chinook and wild steelhead must be released.

Until further notice Wind River from 400 feet below Shipherd Falls upstream, including all tributaries, will remain closed to all fishing.

Other information: From the mouth to 400 feet below Shipherd Falls, night closures will be in effect from April 1 through June 30. In addition, the anti-snagging rule will be in effect from the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge upstream from May 1 through June 30. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.

The two pole rule in May and June has been rescinded. In addition, the regulation that allows for the most liberal daily limit between the adjacent mainstem Columbia River or Wind River, when both areas are open concurrently for salmon, has also been rescinded for this year's spring chinook fishery.

The 2012 expanded fishing area at the mouth will be used as the lower boundary for this year's fishery. Results from last year's monitoring using Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement fees showed no significant increased impacts on federally protected spring chinook bound for the upper Columbia and Snake rivers. Intensive monitoring is expected to occur again in 2013.

Reason for action: Spring chinook returns to the Wind River are predicted to be below average in 2013. The expected returns are needed to provide for the hatchery escapement goals and do not provide sufficient numbers of fish for a full season fishery. The sport fishery catch and the returns to the Carson National Fish Hatchery will be monitored weekly to assess the strength of the returns.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

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.