Spring chinook and hatchery steelhead fishing to open in Washington Bonneville Pool tributaries

March 9, 2004

Action: Wind River and Drano Lake to open for fishing for spring chinook and hatchery steelhead beginning March 16; Klickitat River will open in April.

Effective dates:

Wind River from mouth (buoy line/markers) upstream to 400 feet below Shipherd Falls open March 16 through June 30;

Wind River from 100 feet above Shipherd Falls to 400 feet below coffer dam and 100 feet above coffer dam to 800 yards downstream from the fishway at Carson National Fish Hatchery will be open May 1 through June 30;

Drano Lake downstream of markers on point of land downstream and across from Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery and upstream of the Highway 14 Bridge open March 16 through June 30, except closed Wednesdays from April 14 through May 26;

Klickitat River from mouth to Fisher Hill Bridge will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays only from April 3 through May 31.

Species affected: Chinook and hatchery steelhead.

Reason for action: Large numbers of adult hatchery-origin spring chinook are expected to return to these systems in 2004. Fishery managers predict 12,700 fish will return to Wind River, 8,400 to Drano Lake, and 3,500 to the Klickitat River.

Other information: The daily limit is a total of two salmon or hatchery steelhead. The minimum size for salmon is 12 inches and 20 inches for steelhead.

Chinook, with or without an adipose fin present, may be retained. Steelhead must have a missing adipose or ventral fin to be retained. Wild steelhead must be released.

Night closure and non-buoyant lure restrictions will be in effect for all three areas. Closed waters on the Wind River include from 400 feet below to 100 feet above Shipherd Falls and from 400 feet below to 100 feet above the coffer dam.

The Skamania County boat ramp and parking facility at Drano Lake will be closed through March 31 due to construction. It will be open April 1 through May 31. The boat ramp and parking facility will again close to all recreational activities on June 1 through July 31. If you have any questions, please contact: Skamania County Department of Public Works at (509) 427-9448

Information contact: John Weinheimer, (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.