Ringold area spring chinook bank fishery closes

May 17, 2011

Action: Close the bank fishery for hatchery spring chinook.

Effective date: 9:00 p.m. May 20, 2011

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (RSRF) in Franklin Co. from the WDFW markers 1/4 mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet to the markers 1/2 mile upstream of Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet).

Reason for action: Returns of spring chinook to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (RSRF) in 2011 have failed to meet expectations. No spring chinook have been observed in the hatchery trap and very few RSRF age 5 (brood year 2006) chinook have been observed in the sport harvest since the fishery opened on May 1.

Other information: Fishing remains open through the end of legal hours on Friday, May 20, 2011 until 9:00 p.m.

Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima)

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.