The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced an increase in the salmon daily limit in Marine Area 2-2 easterly of a projected line from the mouth of Johns River to the Tripod Station on Brackenridge Bluff through channel marker 27, starting Saturday through Nov. 30.
The minimum size is 12 inches, with a daily limit of two, including no more than one wild coho salmon. Chinook salmon must be released.
The reason for the action is the number of coho salmon returning to hatcheries in Grays Harbor has exceeded pre-season forecasts. Evaluations of commercial catch information and trap counts indicate the returns of both natural-origin and hatchery-origin coho salmon to the Chehalis basin are sufficient to meet or exceed management goals.
This, coupled with reduced opportunity earlier in the season because of environmental conditions, provides for increased opportunity now.
Adult coho salmon daily limit increased in the Chehalis Basin, also effective Nov. 12 through Nov. 30.
Locations:
• Black River (Grays Harbor and Thurston counties) from mouth to bridge on 128th Ave. SE
• Chehalis River (Grays Harbor County) from Highway 101 Bridge to high bridge on Weyerhaeuser 1000 line
• Elk River (Grays Harbor County) from Highway 105 bridge to the confluence of Middle Branch
• Hoquiam River, including West Fork (Grays Harbor County) from Highway 101 bridge to Dekay Road.
• Hoquiam River, East Fork (Grays Harbor County) from mouth to confluence of Berryman Creek
• Johns River (Grays Harbor County) from Highway 105 bridge to confluence of Ballon Creek
• Newaukum River, including South Fork (Lewis County) from mouth to Leonard Road
• Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor County) from mouth to bridge at Schafer State Park
Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.) from 400’ below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam
Skookumchuck River (Lewis/Thurston Co.) from mouth to 100’ below outlet of TransAlta WDFW steelhead rearing ponds
Van Winkle Creek (Grays Harbor Co.) from mouth to 400’ below outlet of Lake Aberdeen Hatchery
Wishkah River (Grays Harbor Co.) from the mouth to 200’ below the weir at the Wishkah Rearing Ponds and from 150’ upstream to 150’ downstream of the Wishkah adult attraction channel/outfall structure (within the posted fishing boundary).
Wynoochee River (Grays Harbor Co.) from mouth to WDFW White Bridge access site
Salmon rules: Minimum size is 12”. Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, including no more than one wild coho salmon. Release Chinook salmon.
Reason for action: The number of coho salmon returning to hatcheries in Grays Harbor has exceeded pre-season forecasts. Evaluations of commercial catch information and trap counts indicate the returns of both natural-origin and hatchery-origin coho salmon to the Chehalis basin are sufficient to meet or exceed management goals. This, coupled with reduced opportunity earlier in the season because of environmental conditions, provides for increased opportunity now.
Additional information: All Chinook salmon are required to be released.
