01-26-2011, 12:18 PM
Action: Closes sport fishing for eulachon (Columbia River) smelt statewide.
Effective dates: Dec. 15, 2010.
Species affected: Eulachon smelt (Thaleichthys pacificus)
Location: Statewide, all marine and freshwater areas.
Reasons for action: Eulachon smelt are listed under the Endangered Species Act as "Threatened". There are no harvestable populations within the state and the statewide fishing closure will provide additional protection.
Information Contact: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Program, (360) 902-2700, FISHPGM@dfw.wa.gov.
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the current WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500; press 2 for recreational rules; call the Shellfish Rule Change hotline, (360) 796-3215, or toll free 1 (866) 880-5431.
Effective dates: Dec. 15, 2010.
Species affected: Eulachon smelt (Thaleichthys pacificus)
Location: Statewide, all marine and freshwater areas.
Reasons for action: Eulachon smelt are listed under the Endangered Species Act as "Threatened". There are no harvestable populations within the state and the statewide fishing closure will provide additional protection.
Information Contact: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Program, (360) 902-2700, FISHPGM@dfw.wa.gov.
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the current WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500; press 2 for recreational rules; call the Shellfish Rule Change hotline, (360) 796-3215, or toll free 1 (866) 880-5431.