WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov

April 9, 2009

Ringold area bank fishery opens May 1
for hatchery spring chinook salmon

Action: Open the Ringold area bank fishery for hatchery spring Chinook.

Effective date: May 1, 2009 through June 15, 2009

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (RSRF) in Franklin Co. from the WDFW markers ? mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet to the markers ? mile upstream of Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet). Only the hatchery side of the river is open - bank fishing only; Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet) is closed.

Reason for action: WDFW predicts that 200+ hatchery spring Chinook (approximately 125 three-year-old jacks and 75 five-year-old adults) will return to the RSRF in 2009. All returning fish are available for harvest. The permanent [rule] season (May 1-31) is being extended two weeks to adjust for a significant delay in the return of the upper Columbia spring chinook run and to allow anglers more time to catch as many hatchery Chinook as possible. The "anti-snagging rule," which replaces the "non-buoyant lure restriction" on May 1, 2009, is being removed for this bank fishery because "plunking" from shore with a plug-cut herring using two, single hooks is a popular method to catch spring Chinook at this location. Permitting the use of a second, single-point hook is not expected to encourage snagging activity in this fishery.

Other information: Daily limit: 2 hatchery salmon, 12-inch minimum size. Only Chinook with a clipped adipose fin and having a healed scar at the location of the fin may be retained. Night closure in effect. All wild Chinook (with an intact adipose fin) must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.

Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima)

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.