December 2, 2024
Action:
- Implements Selective Gear Rules (Selective Gear Rules prohibit the use of bait including scents or scented materials) with only one single-point barbless hook allowed.
- Requires release of wild rainbow trout.
- Opens game fish seasons in Palix River from Middle Fork upstream, immediately.
- Opens game fish seasons in North River, Willapa River South Fork, Smith Creek, Naselle River South and Salmon Creek through March 31, 2025.
Effective date: Immediately, through March 31, 2025.
Species affected: All species.
Rules:
All species: Selective Gear Rules in effect, except only one single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Rainbow trout: Release all wild rainbow trout.
Locations (The rules listed above are implemented for the following waters in areas and during times open for fishing under permanent Washington Sport Fishing Rules, or by this emergency rule. Additional water-body-specific rules are listed with waterbody below):
- Bear River (Pacific Co.).
- Naselle River (Pacific Co.).
- Naselle River, South (Pacific Co.). From mouth to Bean Creek, game fish seasons are open with statewide minimum size and daily limits, except Cutthroat trout minimum size 14 inches and release wild rainbow trout, effective immediately, through March 31.
- Nemah River, Middle (Pacific Co.).
- Nemah River, North (Pacific Co.).
- Nemah River, South (Pacific Co.).
- North River (Grays Harbor/Pacific Co.). From the Hwy. 105 bridge to Raimie Creek, game fish seasons are open with statewide minimum size and daily limits, except Cutthroat trout minimum size 14 inches and release wild rainbow trout, effective immediately, through March 31.
- Palix River (Pacific Co.). From the Middle Fork upstream (all forks including South Fork Palix River and Canon River), game fish seasons are open with statewide minimum size and daily limits, except Cutthroat trout minimum size 14 inches and release wild rainbow trout, effective immediately, through March 31.
- Salmon Creek (Pacific/Wahkiakum Co.). Game fish seasons are open with statewide minimum size and daily limits, except Cutthroat trout minimum size 14 inches and release wild rainbow trout, effective immediately, through March 31.
- Smith Creek (near North River) (Pacific Co.). Game fish seasons are open with statewide minimum size and daily limits, except Cutthroat trout minimum size 14 inches and release wild rainbow trout, effective immediately, through March 31.
- Willapa River (Pacific Co.).
- Willapa River, South Fork (Pacific Co.). Game fish seasons are open with statewide minimum size and daily limits, except Cutthroat trout minimum size 14 inches and release wild rainbow trout, effective immediately, through March 31.
Additional Information: Anglers are reminded that fishing is closed in Willapa River from the mouth to the WDFW access site at the mouth of Ward/Wilson creeks beginning Feb. 1.
Information contact: Region 6 - Montesano, 360-249-4628