Two Toutle River tributaries to open for hatchery steelhead; selective gear rules to be in effect through early June

May 20, 2010

May 20, 2010

Two Toutle River tributaries to open for hatchery steelhead;
selective gear rules to be in effect through early June

Action: Lower portions of the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers will open two weeks early to fishing for hatchery steelhead.

Species affected: Steelhead

Effective dates: May 22, 2010

Location: South Fork Toutle River from the mouth to the 4700 Road Bridge

Green River from the mouth to 400' below the water intake at the upper end of the hatchery

Daily limit of two hatchery steelhead. Wild steelhead and all other game fish (including trout) must be released. Selective gear rules will be in effect through June 4.

Other information: Daily limit of two hatchery steelhead. Wild steelhead and all other game fish (including trout) must be released. Selective gear rules will be in effect through June 4.

Under permanent rules, the entire South Fork Toutle River and the Green River from the mouth to the 2800 Road Bridge will open to fishing for hatchery steelhead beginning the first Saturday in June (which is June 5 this year).

Under permanent rules, all tributaries to the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers remain closed to all fishing.



Reason for action: Hatchery summer run steelhead are released into the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers. These fish are not needed for broodstock.
Opening the lower portions of the South Fork Toutle and Green rivers two weeks early will allow additional opportunity to harvest surplus hatchery steelhead which are returning to other Columbia River tributaries in strong early numbers.

Selective gear rules will be in effect through June 4 to minimize potential handling of smolts and/or wild winter run steelhead that may be still present.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.