Low River Flows, Concerns Over Salmon Returns Prompt Fishing Closures
Recreational fishing in the Hoh and Quillayute watersheds will close Monday, October 19, as Washington fisheries managers respond to low river flows and concerns about weaker-than-expected salmon returns.
By R.E. Carlino, The Sequim Post
Recreational fishing in the Hoh and Quillayute watersheds will close Monday, October 19, as Washington fisheries managers respond to low river flows and concerns about weaker-than-expected salmon returns.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has ordered the closures until further notice. They apply to all fish species in the designated waters, including listed tributaries in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
According to WDFW, the emergency closures are intended to protect vulnerable salmon populations and improve the likelihood of meeting conservation goals in both watersheds.
Fishery monitoring has shown substantially lower-than-expected coho salmon catches, suggesting this year's returns may fall below preseason projections. At the same time, below-average summer rainfall has reduced river flows, delaying the upstream migration of Chinook and coho salmon and causing fish to congregate in lower river sections rather than continuing toward their spawning grounds.
Although recent rainfall has improved conditions enough for some salmon to resume their upstream migration, water levels remain low, raising concerns about whether sufficient numbers of fish will reach their spawning grounds.
The closures affect 12 designated rivers and creeks, 10 in Clallam County and two in Jefferson County. Affected waters include portions of the Bogachiel, Calawah, Sol Duc, Quillayute and Hoh river systems, along with several smaller tributaries.
The restrictions apply to specific waters and river sections, not all fishing throughout the North Olympic Peninsula. Ocean fishing is not affected by these closures, and fishing within Olympic National Park is subject to separate National Park Service regulations.
WDFW said fishery managers will continue monitoring river conditions and salmon migration. No reopening date has been announced, but fishing may resume if conditions improve.
For the complete list of affected waters and current restrictions, consult the WDFW emergency fishing rules.
The Sequim Post has requested additional information about the closures and their potential effects on North Olympic Peninsula fisheries. Further reporting will follow as information becomes available.
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