WSR 16-15-046
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 16-179-Filed July 14, 2016, 2:22 p.m., effective July 14, 2016, 2:22 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for Okanogan and Similkameen rivers.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-19500Q; and amending WAC 220-310-195.
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: The sockeye run has exceeded the preseason forecast of one hundred two thousand fish returning to the river mouth (currently upgraded to three hundred forty thousand). Sufficient escapement of fish to meet spawning needs in the Okanogan River has occurred. Increasing the daily limit and allowing retention of sockeye salmon will provide additional angling 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 14, 2016.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19500Q Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules-Eastside
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-195, it is unlawful to violate the following provisions, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
(1) For all subsections listed below the following rules apply:
(a) Daily limit six salmon, up to two may be adult hatchery Chinook and up to three may be sockeye.
(b) Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
(c) Minimum size 12 inches.
(d) Release all sockeye with colored anchor (floy) tag attached.
(2) Okanogan River:
(a) Effective immediately through October 15, 2016, from the mouth to the Highway 97 Bridge immediately upstream of the mouth. Anglers may fish with two poles, with the Two-Pole Endorsement through August 31, 2016.
(b) Effective immediately through September 15, 2016, from the Highway 97 Bridge immediately upstream of the mouth to the first Highway 97 bridge downstream of Zosel Dam.
(3) Similkameen River: Effective immediately through September 15, 2016, from the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective October 16, 2016:
| |
WAC 220-310-19500Q |
Freshwater exception to statewide rules-Eastside. |
