02/15/2017
WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Spring chinook must be released on the Lewis River
Action: Lewis River anglers must release all spring chinook.
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Effective date: March 1, 2017, until further notice.
Location: Lewis River from the mouth upstream to Merwin Dam.
Reason for action: The pre-season forecast is for a return of 700 adult spring chinook to the Lewis River in 2017 compared to a hatchery escapement goal of approximately 1,350 fish. The closure is necessary to provide the hatchery with as many returning fish as possible to minimize the shortfall.
Other information: Lewis River spring chinook returns will be closely monitored and adjustments to these regulations may be made if information shows more spring chinook returning than expected.
Lewis River will remain open to fishing for hatchery steelhead, except Johnson Creek upstream to Merwin Dam will be closed to all fishing May 1-May 31. Under permanent rules, fishing for hatchery steelhead and other gamefish will re-open from Johnson Creek upstream beginning June 1or earlier if in-season information shows the hatchery will meet its spring chinook escapement goal.
This concludes our 2017 Lewis River Fishing Report.
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Lunker’s Guide 2017 Lewis River fishing report!
