Action: Reduces the adult salmon daily limit to 1 hatchery fish.

Effective date: March 16, 2023 until further notice.

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Location: Wind River – from the mouth to 800 yards downstream of Carson National Fish Hatchery. The mouth of the Wind River is defined by the buoy line markers south of the Highway 14 bridge.

Rule: Effective March 16, 2023 until further notice, the Wind River salmon and steelhead daily limit is 6 hatchery fish; up to 2 adults (i.e. adult salmon and hatchery steelhead) may be retained, of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.

Reason for action: The preseason forecast of spring Chinook returning to the Wind River (4,400 adults) indicates that a reduced adult salmon daily limit is needed to provide spring Chinook angling opportunity and meet broodstock collection goals at Carson National Fish Hatchery.

Additional information: WDFW will continue to monitor spring Chinook returns with co-managers and National Fish Hatchery staff to determine if further fishery modification is needed. All other permanent rules and 'Closed Waters' areas remain in effect; please refer to the 2022-23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional information. The spring Chinook season in nearby Drano Lake will commence on March 16, 2023 as described in the fishing rules pamphlet. Anglers are reminded to always check for emergency rule change updates prior to fishing.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746