May 30, 2008
Actions: Extend the season for spring chinook in the lower and middle Yakima River reaches.
Effective date: June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008
Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon
Locations:
1) Lower Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 182 bridge in Richland upstream to the SR 225 bridge at Benton City.
2) Middle Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 82 bridge at Union Gap upstream to 3,500 feet downstream of Roza Dam (?closed water? boundary markers).
Reason for action: The fishery is being extended because fishing in May has been very poor due to: 1) the late return of spring chinook to the Yakima River, and 2) high flows and turbidity from quickly melting snowpack.
Other information:
Daily limit of two (2) hatchery chinook. Minimum size - 12 inches. Hatchery salmon are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Wild salmon (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
Special Gear Restriction for all species - Only one, single (point), barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less is permitted.
Night closure in effect for all species.
Fishing for steelhead remains closed. All steelhead must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
Effective date: June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008
Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon
Locations:
1) Lower Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 182 bridge in Richland upstream to the SR 225 bridge at Benton City.
2) Middle Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 82 bridge at Union Gap upstream to 3,500 feet downstream of Roza Dam (?closed water? boundary markers).
Reason for action: The fishery is being extended because fishing in May has been very poor due to: 1) the late return of spring chinook to the Yakima River, and 2) high flows and turbidity from quickly melting snowpack.
Other information:
Daily limit of two (2) hatchery chinook. Minimum size - 12 inches. Hatchery salmon are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Wild salmon (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
Special Gear Restriction for all species - Only one, single (point), barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less is permitted.
Night closure in effect for all species.
Fishing for steelhead remains closed. All steelhead must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.