WSR 14-13-010
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 14-134—Filed June 5, 2014, 1:26 p.m., effective June 6, 2014]
Effective Date of Rule: June 6, 2014.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-310-195.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.12.047.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: Hatchery-origin spring chinook in excess of desired escapement are forecast to return to the Wenatchee River. The fishery will reduce the number of excess hatchery-origin spring chinook and consequently increase the proportion of natural-origin spring chinook on the spawning grounds. Opening two sections of the Wenatchee River will provide additional fishing opportunity. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: June 5, 2014.
Philip Anderson
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19500N Freshwaters exceptions to statewide rules—Wenatchee River.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-195, effective June 6, 2014, until further notice:
(1) It is permissible to fish in waters of the Wenatchee River from the Washington State Parks foot bridge at Confluence Park (just upstream from the confluence with the Columbia River) to 400 feet below Dryden Dam.
(2) It is permissible to fish in waters of the Wenatchee River from the confluence with Peshastin Creek and from that point to a line perpendicular with the river to the opposite river bank (approximately 1,000 feet above Dryden Dam), then to the downstream point of the confluence with the Icicle River and from that point to a line perpendicular with the Wenatchee River to the marker on the opposite river bank.
(3) The following restrictions apply to subsections (1) and (2) of this section:
(a) Daily limit two hatchery Chinook. Mandatory retention of adipose fin clipped Chinook applies.
(b) Anglers must release adipose present Chinook unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
(c) Anglers must release all Chinook with one or more round 1/4 inch diameter holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin.
(d) Selective gear rules are in effect, except bait is allowed.
(e) Night closure is in effect.
Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.