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Additional Snake River Spring Chinook Fishery Opens April 24
Fishing Rule Change
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Action / Species affected: Snake River Washington/Idaho boundary water fishery will open for hatchery spring chinook fishing April 24, 2004.
Location: Snake River from Southway Bridge crossing the Snake River at Lewiston / Clarkston upstream to the Heller Bar concrete boat ramp below the confluence of the Grande Ronde River.
Dates: April 24, 2004 through May 31, 2004
Reason for action: Based on a predicted return of spring chinook to the Snake River that is above the 10 year average return rate, there are sufficient numbers of hatchery origin fish, to open this Snake River fishery. This opportunity will be limited based upon potential impacts to wild fish.
Other Information: Fishing will be open seven days per week. Night closure is in effect. The salmon daily limit will be 2 hatchery (adipose clipped) chinook only with a minimum size of 12 inches. The adipose fin-clipped fish must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All chinook with the adipose fish intact, and all steelhead, must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for all species in these areas of the Snake River during the salmon fishery. For this fishery it shall be unlawful to use any hook larger than 5/8 inch (point of hook to shank). Anglers are reminded to refer to the fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc. This fishery is being opened in conjunction with the State of Idaho and under separate ESA impacts set aside for this limited fishery. Angler catch rates will be monitored closely and Snake River salmon fisheries may be closed prior to May 31 based upon on-going harvest quota evaluations.
Information contact: John Whalen, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 456-4085, or WDFW Spokane Regional Office, (509) 456-4082.
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