06-04-2008, 11:10 AM
Action: Extends the season for spring chinook salmon in the lower and middle reaches of the Yakima River.
Effective date: June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008<br>
<br>Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon<br>
<br>Locations:
<br>1) Lower Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 182 bridge in Richland upstream to the SR 225 bridge at Benton City.<br>
<br>2) Middle Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 82 bridge at Union Gap upstream to 3,500 feet downstream of Roza Dam ("closed water" boundary markers).<br>
<br>Reason for action: The fishery is being extended because fishing in May has been very poor due to: 1) the late return of spring chinook to the Yakima River, and 2) high flows and turbidity from quickly melting snow pack.<br>
<br>Other information:<br>
<br>Daily limit of two (2) hatchery chinook. Minimum size - 12 inches. Hatchery salmon are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Wild salmon (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.<br>
<br>Special Gear Restriction for all species: Only one, single (point), barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less is permitted.<br>
<br>Night closure in effect for all species.<br>
<br>Fishing for steelhead remains closed. All steelhead must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
Information contact: Jim Cummins, Fish Biologist, (509) 457-9316 (Yakima), Paul Hoffarth, Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco), or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).
Effective date: June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008<br>
<br>Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon<br>
<br>Locations:
<br>1) Lower Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 182 bridge in Richland upstream to the SR 225 bridge at Benton City.<br>
<br>2) Middle Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 82 bridge at Union Gap upstream to 3,500 feet downstream of Roza Dam ("closed water" boundary markers).<br>
<br>Reason for action: The fishery is being extended because fishing in May has been very poor due to: 1) the late return of spring chinook to the Yakima River, and 2) high flows and turbidity from quickly melting snow pack.<br>
<br>Other information:<br>
<br>Daily limit of two (2) hatchery chinook. Minimum size - 12 inches. Hatchery salmon are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Wild salmon (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.<br>
<br>Special Gear Restriction for all species: Only one, single (point), barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less is permitted.<br>
<br>Night closure in effect for all species.<br>
<br>Fishing for steelhead remains closed. All steelhead must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
Information contact: Jim Cummins, Fish Biologist, (509) 457-9316 (Yakima), Paul Hoffarth, Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco), or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).