Quillayute System Reopens, Wild Coho Must Be Released

Quillayute River and tributaries (Sol Duc, Dickey, Bogachiel, and Calawah rivers) reopen; anglers must release wild coho

Action: Reopens fishing and requires the release of wild coho.

Effective date: Nov. 23, 2019 through Nov. 30, 2019.

Species affected:  All Species.

Locations and salmon rules:  

• Quillayute River, from Olympic National Park Boundary upstream to confluence of Bogachiel and Sol Duc rivers: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6 of which 3 adults may be retained of which 1 may be a wild Chinook. Release sockeye and wild coho.
• Sol Duc River, from the mouth to the concrete pump station at Sol Duc Hatchery:  Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults may be retained of which up to 1 may be a wild Chinook. Release sockeye and wild coho. 
• Bogachiel River, from the mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 3. Up to 1 adult may be retained.  Release wild coho. 
• Calawah River, from the mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 3. Up to 1 adult may be retained. Release wild coho. 
• Dickey River, from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the confluence of the East and West Forks:  Min. size 12”.  Daily limit 3.  Up to 1 adult may be retained.  Release wild coho.

Reason for action:  Early season abundance indicators confirm the returning Quillayute River wild coho salmon run is below harvestable levels while hatchery coho escapement goals have been reached. A majority of natural origin coho have now cleared the fishing area. As planned, WDFW is reopening these areas to target other species. Rules requiring the release of wild coho are being put in place to allow more fish to reach the spawning grounds in order to meet wild escapement goals.

Additional Information:  For all areas listed in this rule; only 1 barbless hook is allowed when fishing for any species and fishing from a device equipped with an internal combustion motor is prohibited.

Please see the 2019-20 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional rules, or visit the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations and continue to check for emergency regulations in the affected area.

Information contact:  Montesano Region 6 office, 360-249-4628.