Spring chinook limit increased at Drano Lake, Wind River

SALMON FISHING —  The daily limit for hatchery spring chinook salmon off the Columbia River at Drano Lake and in the Wind River will be increased on Thursday, the Wasington Fish and Wildlife Department has just announced.

Read on for the specifics for each water.

• WIND RIVER

Action: Up to six hatchery spring chinook may be retained.  Up to four may be adult chinook.

Effective dates: May 19 through July 31, 2011

Location: Drano Lake downstream of markers on point of land downstream and across from Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery and upstream from Hwy. 14 Bridge.

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

Other information: Night closure, bank only fishing area near the outlet, and Wednesday closures will remain in effect through June.

Reason for action: When the hatchery ladder was opened for a single day between May 12 and13, a total of 1,662 spring chinook entered Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery.  The hatchery escapement goal is 1,000 fish.  Surplus hatchery fish, including jacks, are available for harvest.

The Wednesday closures through June are necessary for the Yakama tribal fisheries scheduled to occur on those dates.

• Wind River

Action: Up to six hatchery spring chinook may be retained.  Up to four may be adult chinook.

Effective dates: May 19 through June 30, 2011

Location: Wind River from mouth (boundary line markers) 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 four may be adults of which no more than two may be hatchery steelhead.  Release all salmon other than chinook and 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 will remain in effect. In addition, the anti-snagging rule remains in effect from the Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge upstream. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained.

Reason for action: The hatchery is expected to meet its escapement goal and surplus hatchery origin fish are available for harvest. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

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