March 17, 2003
Action: Extend the wild steelhead release seasons on the Wynoochee and Satsop rivers and mainstem Chehalis River. Hatchery steelhead retention will be allowed.
Effective dates: April 1 through April 15, 2003 - Wynoochee River
April 1 through April 15, 2003 - Satsop River and East Fork
April 16 through April 30, 2003 - mainstem Chehalis River
Species affected: Steelhead.
Location:
Wynoochee River: from its mouth upstream to 7400 Line Bridge above mouth of Schafer Creek.
Satsop River and East Fork: from its mouth upstream to bridge at Schafer State Park.
Chehalis River: from its mouth upstream to High Bridge on Weyerhauser 1000 line approximately 400 yards downstream of Roger Creek.
Reason for action: The 2002/2003 Chehalis river system wild winter steelhead run size is forecast to return well above escapement needs. The fishing seasons are being extended to allow increased catch-and-release opportunity on returning wild steelhead. The extensions will also allow additional opportunity for anglers to harvest hatchery fish.
Other information: Hatchery steelhead are identified by a missing adipose or ventral fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin(s). All other rules related to minimum size and daily limit rules remain the same.
Information contacts: Bill Campbell or Kirt Hughes, fish biologists, (360) 249-4628
Effective dates: April 1 through April 15, 2003 - Wynoochee River
April 1 through April 15, 2003 - Satsop River and East Fork
April 16 through April 30, 2003 - mainstem Chehalis River
Species affected: Steelhead.
Location:
Wynoochee River: from its mouth upstream to 7400 Line Bridge above mouth of Schafer Creek.
Satsop River and East Fork: from its mouth upstream to bridge at Schafer State Park.
Chehalis River: from its mouth upstream to High Bridge on Weyerhauser 1000 line approximately 400 yards downstream of Roger Creek.
Reason for action: The 2002/2003 Chehalis river system wild winter steelhead run size is forecast to return well above escapement needs. The fishing seasons are being extended to allow increased catch-and-release opportunity on returning wild steelhead. The extensions will also allow additional opportunity for anglers to harvest hatchery fish.
Other information: Hatchery steelhead are identified by a missing adipose or ventral fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin(s). All other rules related to minimum size and daily limit rules remain the same.
Information contacts: Bill Campbell or Kirt Hughes, fish biologists, (360) 249-4628