WSR 16-15-063
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 16-183-Filed July 18, 2016, 11:43 a.m., effective July 20, 2016]
Effective Date of Rule: July 20, 2016.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for Lake Wenatchee.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: 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: Based on current sockeye passage analysis at both Tumwater Dam and mainstem Columbia River dams, at least sixty thousand total sockeye are projected to be destined for Lake Wenatchee. This provides an estimated thirty-seven thousand sockeye to be available for harvest above the natural spawning escapement goal of twenty-three thousand fish. Opening Lake Wenatchee for a sockeye fishery will provide 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 18, 2016.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19500R Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules-Lake Wenatchee.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-195, effective July 20, 2016, one hour before official sunrise, until further notice, it is permissible to fish for sockeye salmon in Lake Wenatchee:
(1) Daily limit 6 sockeye, minimum size 12 inches in length.
(2) Selective gear rules and night closure in effect for all species.
(3) Anglers may fish with 2 poles so long as they possess a valid two-pole endorsement.
(4) Bull trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon must be released unharmed without removing the fish from the water.
