Wind River will open for hatchery chinook, with protective measures for wild steelhead

March 10, 2014

March 7, 2014

Angling opportunities for Wind River hatchery spring
chinook; protective measures added for wild steelhead

Action:

Daily limit will be 2 chinook or 2 hatchery steelhead or one of each.

Wind River from the mouth (boundary line markers) upstream to the
Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge: Open March 16 through July 31.
Anglers with a Two-pole Endorsement may fish with two poles for salmon
and steelhead May 1 through June 30.

Wind River from Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge upstream to 400 feet
below Shipherd Falls: Open April 1 through July 31;

Wind River from 100 feet above Shipherd Falls to 800 yards downstream of
Carson National Fish Hatchery (except closed waters from 400 feet below to
100 feet above coffer dam): Open May 1 through June 30.

Species affected: Chinook and steelhead

Other information: Release wild chinook downstream from Shipherd Falls. Release all trout other than hatchery steelhead. Minimum size 12 inches for salmon and 20 inches for steelhead.

When fishing for sturgeon or other species, only one pole per angler may be used.

The area from the railroad bridge upstream to Shipherd Falls will be closed to all fishing from March 16-31 to protect wild steelhead when salmon abundance is low.

Reason for action: The 2014 Wind River spring Chinook returns are expected to be slightly higher than the recent 5 year average and more than twice last year's actual return. Surplus hatchery origin fish are available for harvest.

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.