Action: Closes fishing on the Chehalis River and some tributaries beginning May 13.

Effective date: May 13, 2019 through June 30, 2019.

Species affected: All species.

Location: Chehalis River, South Fork Chehalis River, North Fork Newaukum River, South Fork Newaukum River and Skookumchuck River.

Reason for action: Low predicted spring Chinook returns make them more vulnerable to fishing pressure. Spring Chinook stage in the Chehalis River, South Fork Chehalis River, North and South forks of the Newaukum Rivers and the Skookumchuck River. Any incidental encounters of spring Chinook during game fishing could subject this fish to stress, injury, or death, which during a year of low predicted returns could harm future runs.

Additional information: WDFW previously closed the Chehalis to fishing for spring chinook: https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=2304.

The Chehalis River was scheduled to open for fishing for gamefish on May 25 but will remain closed to all fishing through June 30.

For more information regarding fishing regulations and opportunities please visit our website at https://wdfw.wa.gov or download our free Fish Washington mobile application from your app store.

Information contact: Chad Herring, Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor Fishery Policy Lead Region 6, 360-249-4628, ext 299.