WSR 26-19-109 — Department of Fish and Wildlife [Order 26-197—FILED September 21, 2026, 4:56 P.M., Effective September 23, 2026]: This emergency rule closes retention of wild Chinook in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River

WSR 26-19-109 — Department of Fish and Wildlife [Order 26-197—FILED September 21, 2026, 4:56 P.M., Effective September 23, 2026]: This emergency rule closes retention of wild Chinook in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River WSR 26-19-109 (26-19) WSR 26-19-109 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 26-197—Filed September 21, 2026, 4:56 p.m., effective September 23, 2026] Effective Date of Rule: September 23, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule closes retention of wild Chinook in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-060. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest. Reasons for this Finding: This emergency rule closes retention of wild Chinook in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River. The department of fish and wildlife has reviewed in-season estimates of run size and current harvest of unmarked fall Chinook salmon and associated impacts to natural-origin fish from recreational fisheries. Based on current harvest levels, it is necessary to shift to a mark-selective fishery for adult Chinook to extend opportunity to harvest hatchery fish while minimizing impacts on natural-origin fish. There is insufficient time to promulgate permanent rules. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Date Adopted: September 21, 2026. Kelly Susewind Director NEW SECTION WAC 220-312-06000H Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. Effective September 23 through December 31, 2026, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding recreational salmon seasons from the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco to Priest Rapids Dam, are modified as described in this section except in areas closed to fishing for salmon and steelhead year-round in WAC 220-312-060. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed in this section remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule: (1) From the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco to the Old Hanford Townsite Powerline Crossing: September 23 through December 31: Salmon daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release wild adult Chinook. (2) Old Hanford Townsite Powerline Crossing upstream to Priest Rapids Dam: September 23 through October 15: Salmon daily limit 6 including no more than 1 adult. Release wild adult Chinook. Matter furnished by the Washington Office of the Code Reviser (Washington State Register). Notice Nearby did not write this notice. Source: Washington State Register Published: 2026-09-21 Original: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2026/19/26-19-109.htm This listing was added to the Notice Nearby public register from a public government source. It is not a Notice Nearby paid publication, affidavit, or placement certificate.