WDFW Fishing Rule Change: Adult salmon daily limit reduced on the Wind River

[Pacific NW Ron]

WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE   
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov

March 21, 2019

Adult salmon daily limit reduced on the Wind River

Action: Reduces the adult salmon daily limit to one fish on days and in locations open for salmon retention in the Wind River.

Locations and effective dates: 
•From the mouth to 400 feet downstream of Shipherd Falls fish ladder: Effective April 1, 2019 until further notice.
•From 100 feet above Shipherd Falls to 800 yards below Carson National Fish Hatchery: Effective May 1, 2019 until further notice.

Species affected: Salmon

Reason for action: An estimated 2,800 adult spring chinook are forecast to return to the Wind River in 2019. Managers need to reduce the adult salmon daily limit to ensure that hatchery chinook broodstock goals are achieved. Reducing the adult salmon daily limit will provide continued opportunity for anglers to harvest spring chinook and help ensure future hatchery returns. 

Additional information: For salmon and steelhead the daily limit is 6 fish; including no more than two adults (salmon and steelhead) of which only one may be a salmon.  Anglers are reminded to check the Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for areas where and dates when the Wind River is open for salmon retention.  WDFW will continue to monitor the spring chinook return with Co-Managers and Carson National Fish Hatchery staff to determine if further fishery modification is needed.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, (360) 906-6746.