The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFWs) made a fishing rule change to allow the retention of hatchery Chinook salmon and steelhead on the Lewis River this season in Clark and Cowlitz counties.
Effective dates, specific locations, and rules:
• Lewis River from the mouth to Johnson Creek: through July 31
Salmon: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six hatchery Chinook including no more than one adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
• Lewis River from Johnson Creek to Colvin Creek through May 31.
All species: Bank angling only. No fishing from a floating device. Anti-snagging rule and night closure in effect.
Hatchery steelhead: Minimum size is 20 inches. Daily limit is three.
Salmon: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six hatchery Chinook including no more than one adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
• Lewis River from Johnson Creek to Colvin Creek: June 1 through July 31, 2024.
Salmon: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six hatchery Chinook including no more than one adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
Spring Chinook salmon returns to the Lewis Hatchery are projected to meet broodstock collection goals for the Lewis Hatchery programs. Modifying fisheries will provide additional fishing opportunities while still meeting program and reintroduction goals.
Under permanent rules, the Lewis River is currently open for hatchery steelhead retention from the mouth up to Johnson Creek. All other permanent rules published in the Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect.
