Selective gear rules added to lower Washougal River spring steelhead sport fishery

March 7, 2003

March 7, 2003

Selective gear rules added to lower
Washougal River spring steelhead sport fishery

Action: Add selective gear rules during the April 16th through May 31st hatchery steelhead season on the lower Washougal River.

Effective Date: April 16, 2003 through May 31, 2003

Location: Washougal River, from its mouth upstream to Mt. Norway Bridge at Vernon Road

Reason for action: This rule adds selective gear rules during the April 16 through May 31 time period. This rule change is an early implementation of regulatory action approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission to protect wild steelhead smolts and spawners in the Washougal River.

Other information: Wild steelhead release rules and selective gear rules are in effect. Anglers are permitted to harvest hatchery-origin (adipose or ventral-fin clipped and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin) steelhead only. Minimum size 20 inches, daily limit 2. Selective Gear Rules are defined on page 15 of the WDFW 2002/03 Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Information contact: John Weinheimer, District 9 Fish Biologist, (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.