Action: Increase the daily limit for hatchery spring chinook salmon from two to six salmon per day.

Effective date: June 10, 2008 through June 30, 2008.

Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon.

Locations:

1) Lower Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 182 bridge in Richland upstream to the SR 225 bridge at Benton City.

2) Middle Yakima Reach: Yakima River from the Interstate 82 bridge at Union Gap upstream to 3,500 feet downstream of Roza Dam (closed water boundary markers).

Reason for action: Creel census data and recent reports from anglers indicate that a large percentage of the spring chinook migrating upstream to Roza Dam are adipose-clipped hatchery fish, both jacks (less than 24 inches long) and adults. Hatchery jacks are particularly abundant. WDFW and Yakama Nation co-managers want to limit the number of hatchery jacks and adults on the upper Yakima River spawning grounds this fall to prevent adverse genetic impacts to the natural-origin component of the run. Additional selective harvest of hatchery fish is desirable.

Other information:

Daily limit of six (6) hatchery chinook. Minimum size: 12 inches. Hatchery salmon are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Wild salmon (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.

Special Gear Restriction for all species: Only one, single (point), barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less is permitted.

Night closure in effect for all species.

Fishing for steelhead remains closed. All steelhead must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.

Information contact: Jim Cummins, Fish Biologist, (509) 457-9316 (Yakima), Paul Hoffarth, Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco), or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).

Did anybody get out for Springer fishing on the lower Yak? Any reports?

I floated from the Snively launch to W. Richland back when the water was too high and visibility was poor, and well... The water was too high and the visibility was too poor--not even a bump. Bummer, flow and fish just never lined up well for the Yak this year, plus, the run came in well below forecast.