05/10/2018
WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Action: Anglers will be allowed to retain hatchery chinook salmon from the mouth of the Lewis River to Johnson Creek. In addition, the river will reopen to retention of hatchery chinook and hatchery steelhead from Johnson Creek to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam for bank fishing only (no boat fishing allowed).
Effective dates: Saturday, May 12, 2018 until further notice.
Species affected: Chinook salmon and steelhead.
Location: Lewis River (Clark/Cowlitz Co.) from the mouth to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.
Daily limit: Anglers may retain 6 hatchery chinook salmon per day, of which 1 may be an adult. In addition, anglers may retain 3 hatchery steelhead per day from Johnson Creek to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.
Reasons for action: The 2018 Lewis River spring chinook run is currently on track to meet the Lewis River Hatchery broodstock goals, allow for transport of fish to the upper Lewis River basin for reintroduction, and allow anglers to catch and retain hatchery chinook. Similarly, broodstock goals for summer steelhead are expected to be met on the Lewis River. Therefore, the section from Johnson Creek to the overhead power lines below Merwin Dam will be open early and allow hatchery steelhead retention.
Other information: Chinook retention on the Lewis River was open under permanent rule until April 30 and subsequently closed to ensure hatchery broodstock goals were met. If spring chinook returns do not continue as expected, it may be necessary to close the retention fishery at a later date. All other permanent rules remain in effect. Please refer to the Sport Fishing Pamphlet and continue to monitor emergency rule notifications for complete rule information.
Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.
This concludes our 2018 Lewis River Fishing Report.
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Lunker’s Guide 2018 Lewis River fishing report!
