Grays Harbor Streams Reopen December 14th

Opens fishing in Grays Harbor and tributaries Dec. 14; changes salmon daily limit

Action:

1. Rescinds fishing closures for gamefish and salmon in Grays Harbor (Catch Area 2-2) and all tributaries. Fishing is open only in the locations, and during the dates, listed in the 2015-16 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

2. Changes salmon daily limit to 1 hatchery coho in the areas open to salmon fishing.

Effective Date: 12:01 a.m. Dec. 14, 2015.

Species affected: Salmon and gamefish.

Location: Grays Harbor Catch Area 2-2 and all tributaries.

Reason for action: Hatchery steelhead are returning to Grays Harbor tributaries. Wild coho salmon remain well below the escapement goals necessitating release of all wild salmon. However, historical catch data indicate that only a small percent of the recreational Coho catch occurs after November and therefore the impact to wild coho will be very small with these fisheries.

Other information: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor the of the coho return. All areas and seasons listed in the 2015-16 the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet are in affect except for changes listed above.

Information contact: Mike Scharpf, (360) 249-1205

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons 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.

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