Willapa River to open for hatchery spring Chinook salmon retention

May 2, 2023

Action: Opens retention of hatchery spring Chinook salmon.

Effective date: May 27 through July 31, 2023.

Species affected: Spring Chinook salmon.

Locations and rules:

  1. Willapa River (Pacific Co.) from the mouth (City of South Bend boat launch) to WDFW access at mouth of Ward Creek/Wilson Creek: Minimum size 12". Daily limit 1 hatchery (adipose-clipped) spring Chinook salmon. Release all salmon other than hatchery spring Chinook salmon. Night closure in effect. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-pole Endorsement.
  2. Willapa River (Pacific Co.) from the WDFW access at mouth of Ward Creek/Wilson Creek to second bridge on Camp One Road: Minimum size 12". Daily limit 1 hatchery (adipose-clipped) spring Chinook salmon. Release all salmon other than hatchery spring Chinook salmon. Night closure and stationary gear restriction in effect.
  3. Willapa River (Pacific Co.) from second bridge on Camp One Road upstream to mouth of Mill Creek, approx. 0.5 miles: Minimum size 12". Daily limit 1 hatchery (adipose clipped) spring Chinook salmon. Release all salmon other than hatchery spring Chinook salmon. Night closure and stationary gear restriction in effect. Fishing from a floating device prohibited.
  4. Willapa River (Pacific Co.) from Mill Creek to Highway 6 Bridge near the town of Lebam: Minimum size 12". Daily limit 1 hatchery (adipose clipped) spring Chinook salmon. Release all salmon other than hatchery spring Chinook salmon. Night closure and stationary gear restriction in effect.

Reason for action: A one-time release of over half-a-million Chinook salmon from Fork’s Creek Hatchery occurred in 2019 to increase prey abundance for Southern Resident Killer Whales. WDFW anticipates a small number of returning five-year-old Chinook salmon from this release will be available for a targeted fishery. Fishery managers encourage anglers to harvest hatchery-origin Chinook salmon that are encountered during this limited-time opportunity.

Additional information: Anglers are asked to be respectful of private property along the river. Anglers are reminded to check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional rules and seasons.

To stay up to date and receive immediate notification of emergency rules you can sign up for WDFW email notification at: wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact:  Region 6 (Montesano office), 360-249-4628.

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.