Ron Warren sent this out so I thought I would get it out.


Fishing Rule Change
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
July 25, 2019


Lower Chehalis River to reopen Aug. 1; upper river and tributary openings also set

Action: Opens the lower Chehalis under permanent rules, as listed in pamphlet.

Effective date: Aug. 1, 2019.

Species affected: All species.

Location: Chehalis River, from the mouth (Highway 101 Bridge in Aberdeen) to the South Elma Bridge (Wakefield Road).

Reason for action: Staggered openings are necessary to protect spring Chinook returning to the Chehalis system. The abundance of spring Chinook is far below the escapement goal of 1,400 fish. As returning fish move farther upstream, it is possible to begin opening lower sections to angling while upstream and tributary closures achieve conservation objectives by protecting staging spring Chinook from fishing pressure.

Additional information: Closed sections of the upper Chehalis and tributaries will reopen under permanent rules as described in the 2019-20 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet on the following dates:

· Chehalis River, from South Elma Bridge (Wakefield Road) to Black River, including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways: Sept. 16, 2019.
· Chehalis River, from Black River upstream: Oct. 1, 2019.
· Chehalis River, South Fork: Oct. 1, 2019.
· Newaukum River, including South Fork and North Fork: Oct. 16, 2019.
· Skookumchuck River: Oct. 16, 2019.

Anglers are reminded to always check for emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Rule changes can be found online at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/ or by calling the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500.

Information contact: Chad Herring, Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor Fishery Policy Lead Region 6, 360-249-4628 ext. 299; Mike Scharpf, District Biologist, 360-249-1025

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 (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Persons with disabilities who need to receive this information in an alternative format or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact Dolores Noyes by phone (360-902-2349), TTY (360-902-2207), or email (dolores.noyes@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/reasonable_request.html.