Snake River chinook fishery near little Goose daily limit change


Action / Species affected: Change of spring/summer chinook daily limit to one fish per day in the Little Goose area fishery.

Locations: Snake River at Texas Rapids Boat Launch (approximately 4 miles upstream of the Tucannon River) to the Corps of Engineers boat launch approximately 1 mile upstream of Little Goose Dam (along the south shore).


Dates: April 24, 2009 through June 15, 2009.

Reason for action: The 2008 / 2009 WDFW Sport fishing regulations pamphlet, which expires April 30, 2009, allows harvest/retention of two chinook salmon per day. New 2009 Sport Fishing rules, that take effect on May 1, allow only one fish per day for this local area fishery. To provide consistency throughout the duration of this fishery the daily bag limit for chinook is limited to one hatchery chinook salmon per day per angler to comply with the regulations that take effect in May.

Other Information: Fishing open seven days per week. Night closure is in effect. The minimum size of any retained hatchery chinook is 12 inches. The adipose fin-clipped fish must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All chinook with the adipose fish intact, and all steelhead, must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks, and hooks must measure 5/8? or less from point to shank, when fishing for all species in these areas of the Snake River during the salmon fishery. Anglers cannot remove any chinook from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers are reminded to refer to the current 2008/2009 sport fishing rules pamphlet (in effect through April 30, 2009), and the new 2009 / 2010 fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet (in effect May 1, 2009) for other regulations, safety closures, etc. Angler catch rates will be monitored closely and Snake River salmon fisheries may be closed prior to June 15th based upon on-going fishery evaluations and wild chinook conservation needs.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.