Fishers along Deep River, get ready to cast your lines for a bit longer this spring season. In a move, fish enthusiasts are sure to welcome the 2024 spring Chinook salmon season in Deep River, effective immediately and lasting through April 11. The extension applies to both salmon and hatchery steelhead, setting a daily limit of six fish, with no more than two adults and only one of those an adult Chinook, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
The change comes on the heels of a joint state action taken a day ago, aligning Deep River's regulations with those of the mainstem Columbia River. But remember it's not a free-for-all, the fishery's limits are there to stay within allowable catch levels for the upriver spring Chinook and to ensure minimal impact to other stocks of concern, so don't go thinking you can just take your fill and anything goes because it doesn't.
Anglers need to be mindful that some specifics are in play - size matters here, with a minimum measurement of 12 inches for salmon, as per the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Following the rules is not only an exercise in patience and precision but also a critical component of the sport. Hatchery Chinook can head to your cooler, but any wild steelhead or salmon that aren't hatchery Chinook should be released back into the watery wild. And remember, all other permanent regulations apply.
For those casting lines, the staff at WDFW will be monitoring the fishery as the season unfolds, ensuring that the measures in place are effective and adhered to. For any fisher looking to verify the specifics or catch the latest regulations, the hotline to dial is 360-902-2500 - press 2 for recreational rules or if shellfish is your catch of the day, call the toll-free number at 866-880-5431.
