WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov June 23, 2011
Yakima River spring chinook fishing extended
Action: Extend the Yakima River fishery for hatchery spring chinook salmon.
Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon.
Location: From the Interstate 82 bridge at Union Gap (river mile 107.1) to the BNRR bridge approximately 500 feet downstream of Roza Dam (river mile 127.8.)
Dates: July 1 through 31, 2011.
Reason for action: High, turbid flow in May and June and a late return of spring chinook to the Yakima River has extended the run timing past Roza Dam. A significant number of hatchery salmon are expected to be available for harvest below Roza Dam well into July.
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.
The use of two (2) fishing poles is permitted during the salmon fishery provided the participating angler has purchased a "Two-Pole Endorsement" (in addition to the freshwater fishing license and Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement).
Special Rules:
For the duration of this salmon fishery, the upper "closed water" boundary line is moved upstream to the railroad bridge downstream of Roza Dam to provide additional opportunity to harvest hatchery chinook.
Terminal gear is restricted to one, single-point, barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less.
During the salmon fishery, the "Selective Gear Rules" prohibiting use of bait and knotted nets is temporarily suspended , but only in the river section open to salmon fishing.
Use of boats equipped with an internal combustion engine is allowed only from the I-82 bridge at Union Gap to the east-bound (upstream) I-82 bridge at Selah Gap.
Night closure in effect.
Closed to fishing for all species 400 feet upstream from the upstream side of the Yakima Ave./Terrace Heights Rd. bridge in Yakima , including the area adjacent and downstream of the Roza Wasteway No. 2 fish barrier rack next to Morton & Sons Inc.
Fishing for steelhead remains closed. All steelhead (rainbow trout greater than 20" in total length) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
A Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement is required to participate in this fishery.
Information contacts: Eric Anderson, District 8 Fish Biologist, (509) 457-9301 (Yakima); or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).
