Action:  Allows retention of hatchery Chinook salmon on the Lewis River.

Effective date:  Sept. 1, 2019.

Species affected:  Chinook salmon.

Location:  Lewis River from Johnson Creek to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.

Reason for action: Hatchery spring Chinook broodstock in the Lewis River are no longer present after Aug. 31. Fall Chinook abundance in the Lewis River is expected to provide harvest opportunity, therefore the closure to Chinook retention during August 2019 to maximize the spring Chinook available for broodstock of Chinook salmon is no longer needed. 

Additional information:

Regulations for salmon in the Lewis River from the mouth to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam for Sept. 1-30:

Min. size 12". Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults of which 2 may be hatchery Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.

Anglers are reminded to always check for emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Rule changes can be found on the website at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/ or by calling the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500.

Information contact: Tom Wadsworth, District Fish Biologist, (360) 906-6709.