Snake River spring chinook fishery extended, daily limit increased beginning June 1

May 29, 2003

May 29, 2003

Snake River spring chinook fishery extended,
daily limit increased beginning June 1

Action: The Snake River spring chinook fishery is extended and the daily bag limit increases to two salmon.

Effective date: June 1 through June 15, 2003
Hours:: Seven (7) days per week. Fishing hours per day are one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.

Species affected: Hatchery spring chinook.

Location: From Texas Rapids boat launch upstream to the Corps of Engineers boat launch approximately one mile upstream of Little Goose Dam on the south bank of the river.

Reason for action: Based on a stronger than expected return of spring chinook to the Snake River, there are sufficient numbers of hatchery-origin fish, within allowable limits for potential impacts to wild fish, to continue this selective chinook fishery and expand the bag limit in the Snake River.

Other Information: The daily limit is two (2) hatchery chinook only. Only hatchery (adipose fin-clipped) spring chinook may be retained. The adipose fin-clipped fish must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All chinook with adipose fin intact, and all steelhead, must be immediately released unharmed. Chinook jacks are also included in the two fish daily limit. Minimum size is 12 inches. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for chinook on the Snake River. For this fishery it shall be unlawful to use any hook larger than 5/8 inch (point of hook to shank). Angler catch rates will be monitored closely and the Snake River fishery may be closed prior to June 15 if the allowable ESA impacts to wild chinook are expected to be met.
Anglers are reminded to check the WDFW "Fishing In Washington" rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc.

Information contact: John Whalen, regional Fish Program manager, (509) 456-4085, or Glen Mendel, District 3 fish biologist (Dayton), (509) 382-1005

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.