Section 220-32-057. Season—Sturgeon.

(1) It is unlawful to take, fish for or possess sturgeon taken for commercial purposes in Columbia River Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 1F, 1G, and 1H except individuals possessing treaty fishing rights pursuant to the Yakima, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce treaties may fish for sturgeon with setline gear from January 1 through January 31, and during seasons opened under emergency rule by the department and as provided in this section.

(2) During the open season, it is unlawful to:

(a) Retain for commercial or subsistence purposes sturgeon less than 38 inches in fork length or greater than 54 inches in fork length in Columbia River Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Area (SMCRA) 1F. It is unlawful to retain for commercial or subsistence purposes sturgeon less than 43 inches in fork length or greater than 54 inches in fork length in Columbia River SMCRAs 1G and 1H;

(b) Sell, barter, or attempt to sell or barter sturgeon eggs that have been removed from the body cavity of a sturgeon prior to the sale of the sturgeon to a wholesale dealer licensed under chapter 75.28 RCW, or to sell or barter sturgeon eggs at retail; or

(c) Deliver to a wholesale dealer licensed under chapter 75.28 RCW any sturgeon that are not in the round with the head and tail intact.

(3) Gear:

(a) Maximum 100 hooks per setline;

(b) Minimum hook size 9/0;

(c) Treble hooks prohibited; and

(d) Visible buoys required, with operator name and tribal identification clearly marked on the buoy.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.04.020. WSR 09-18-070 (Order 09-187), § 220-32-057, filed 8/28/09, effective 9/28/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 00-17-117 (Order 00-146), § 220-32-057, filed 8/17/00, effective 9/17/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 82-19-083 (Order 82-142), § 220-32-057, filed 9/21/82; Order 77-14, § 220-32-057, filed 4/15/77; Order 1043, § 220-32-057, filed 2/22/73; Order 915, § 220-32-057, filed 3/4/71.]

RCW 77.12.047 and 77.04.020. WSR 09-18-070 (Order 09-187), § 220-32-057, filed 8/28/09, effective 9/28/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 00-17-117 (Order 00-146), § 220-32-057, filed 8/17/00, effective 9/17/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 82-19-083 (Order 82-142), § 220-32-057, filed 9/21/82; Order 77-14, § 220-32-057, filed 4/15/77; Order 1043, § 220-32-057, filed 2/22/73; Order 915, § 220-32-057, filed 3/4/71.