FISHING RULE CHANGE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

May 31, 2012

Action: Open the Yakima Reservation Boundary Reach to spring chinook.

Effective date: June 1 through June 30, 2012

Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon

Location: Yakima River from the Highway 223 Bridge (at Granger) upstream to the railroad bridge approximately 1,200 feet downstream of Sunnyside (Parker) Diversion Dam (20.9 river miles).

Reason for action: Yakama Nation and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishery managers are forecasting a harvestable return of adult hatchery spring chinook to the Yakima River in 2012. Opening the "Reservation Boundary Reach" (RBR) increases opportunity to harvest hatchery spring chinook in one of the most productive sections of the Yakima River for salmon fishing. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

Other information: Non-tribal anglers who fish from either river bank (north or south shore), islands or from boats (or other floating devices) in the river reach bordering the Yakama Nation Reservation must purchase a Yakama Nation tribal fishing permit, in addition to a 2012 WDFW freshwater fishing license and the Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement. This section of river bordering the reservation is open to salmon fishing for non-tribal members courtesy of the Yakama Nation.

Daily limit of two (2) 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. Use of bait is allowed.

Night closure in effect.

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

Monitoring and enforcement of this fishery opportunity is funded by the Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement.

Information contacts: Eric Anderson, Dist. 8 Fish Bio