Action: Anglers must release wild (unclipped) adult Chinook in the Lyons Ferry Bubble Fishery. Maintain other previously announced salmon seasons.
Species affected: Chinook and coho salmon.
Effective date: Immediately through Dec. 31, 2023.
Locations:
Lyons Ferry Bubble Fishery from the red river marker (Marker 28) on the south shore of the Snake River upstream to the Highway 261 Bridge, approximately 1.4 miles:
- Immediately, through Oct. 29, 2023: Salmon open Thursdays through Sundays each week. Salmon daily limit is two (2) adult hatchery adipose clipped Chinook. No daily limit for any jack Chinook. Minimum size is 12 inches. Release all salmon other than hatchery adult Chinook or any jack Chinook. Barbless hooks required.
From the downstream edge of the large power lines crossing the Snake River just upstream of West Evans Road on the south shore (approximately three miles downstream of Clarkston) upstream to the Idaho border at Clarkston (the dividing line for catch record card area 648/650):
- Immediately, through Oct. 31, 2023: Salmon open daily. Salmon daily limit is any three (3) adult Chinook and any two (2) adult coho for a total of five (5) adults combined. No limit for any jack Chinook or any jack coho. Minimum size is 12 inches. Barbless hooks required.
Snake River from the Idaho border at Clarkston (the dividing line for catch record card area 648/650) upstream to the Oregon state line:
- Immediately, through Oct. 31, 2023: Salmon open daily. Salmon daily limit is any three (3) adult Chinook and any two (2) adult coho for a total of five (5) adults combined. No limit for any jack Chinook or any jack coho. Minimum size is 12 inches. Barbless hooks required.
- Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023: Salmon open daily. Salmon daily limit is any two (2) adult coho. No limit for any jack coho. Minimum size is 12 inches. Barbless hooks required.
Reason for action: Allowed impacts to wild adult Chinook in Lyons Ferry Bubble Fishery area are nearing the agreed limit, therefore it is necessary to switch to a mark selective fishery (hatchery, adipose clipped fish only) to allow continued fishing opportunity.
Additional information: WDFW requires that all Washington licensed anglers cease fishing for Chinook or coho salmon once they have retained their adult daily limit for that species. Adult Chinook are 24 inches in length or larger and jack Chinook are less than 24 inches in length. Adult coho are 20 inches in length or larger and jack coho are less than 20 inches in length. Two-pole permits are not allowed during this fishery.
When fishing in the Snake River between Washington and Idaho, the holder of a valid Washington fishing license may fish the Snake River where it forms a boundary between the states of Washington and Idaho. Washington licensed anglers are subject to the Washington fishing rules and may not fish from the shore, including wading, and may not fish sloughs or tributaries on the Idaho side.
Any angler who fishes on the Snake River or any other water forming a Washington boundary can only utilize the fishing privileges (limits, size restriction, etc.) of one state’s fishing license at a time. Before utilizing a Washington fishing license or fishing Washington only waters, any fish retained while using another state’s license must be returned to shore before continuing to fish.
Anglers should be sure to identify their catch and mark catch record cards appropriately by species. All salmon or steelhead that are not kept as part of the daily limit cannot be removed from the water and must be immediately released unharmed. All harvested salmon (adult or jack) must be immediately recorded on a catch record card when utilizing a Washington fishing license. Anglers should continue to check emergency regulations for new and changing seasons or sign up for email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates. In addition, anglers are reminded to refer to the 2023/2024 Washington Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet for other rules and regulations.
Information contact:Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist, 509-382-1005.
