Salmon fishing to close on the Cowlitz River, Cispus River and Lake Scanewa

[Pacific NW Ron]

Action: Closes salmon fishing. 

Effective date: March 5, 2021, until further notice.

Species affected: Salmon

Locations and salmon rules: Cowlitz River, Cispus River, and Lake Scanewa:  Closed to salmon fishing. 

Reason for action: An estimated 1,800 adult spring Chinook are forecast to return to the Cowlitz River in 2021. A return of this size is insufficient to meet both hatchery broodstock needs and projected harvest for a full-season sport fishery.  Modifying spring Chinook fisheries on this river will help meet hatchery program goals. 

Additional information:  Fishery managers will continue to monitor spring Chinook returns to the Cowlitz River to determine when fisheries may be reopened. The posted fishing boundary markers below the Barrier Dam at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery will be moved to the standard 400-foot boundary downstream of the fish ladder entrance. 

Information contact:  Josua Holowatz, fish biologist, 360-906-6771.