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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Wind River springer limit boosted to 6

Salmon anglers on the Wind River, a Columbia River tributary in Skamania County, could have a whopping good time if forecasts hold true. (File)
Salmon anglers on the Wind River, a Columbia River tributary in Skamania County, could have a whopping good time if forecasts hold true. (File)

SALMON FISHING -- Up to six hatchery origin spring chinook salmon may be retained on the Wind River from the railroad bridge upstream starting Saturday, the Washington Fish and Wildlife has just announced.

Up to four of the fish can be adult chinook.

Similar limit increases were announced for Drano Lake. The rules will extend to June 30 unless revoked earlier.

Read on for details

Location:

  • Wind River from Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge to 400 feet below Shipherd Falls.
  • Wind River from 100 feet above Shipherd Falls to 400 feet below the coffer dam.
  • Wind River from 100 feet above the coffer dam to 800 yards downstream of Carson National Fish Hatchery.

Daily limits: The salmonid daily limit will be six fish. Up to 4 may be adults of which no more than 2 may be hatchery steelhead. Release wild chinook downstream from Shipherd Falls. Release all trout other than hatchery steelhead. Minimum size 12 inches for salmon and 20 inches for steelhead.

Other information: Night closures and anti-snagging rule remain in effect. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.

The lower Wind from the boundary line/markers to the railroad bridge will remain the daily limit of 2 hatchery salmon or hatchery steelhead or one of each. As an experiment, this fishing area was recently expanded and continues to be monitored closely for possible impacts to listed upriver stocks.

Reason for action: Carson National Fish Hatchery is expected to meet its escapement goal of 1,500 fish. Surplus hatchery origin fish are available for harvest.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Call the WDFW Fishing Hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules or check the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm for details on fishing seasons and regulations. For the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline call (360) 796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.



Outdoors blog

Rich Landers writes and photographs stories and columns for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including Outdoors feature sections on Sunday and Thursday.




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