OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — As conditions improve in some Washington rivers, state officials are easing fishing restrictions and closures put in place earlier this summer because of the drought.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife had closed or restricted access on more than 60 rivers and streams to protect fish, which can be harmed by low river flows and warmer water temperatures.
On Wednesday, the agency said fishing is now open or no longer restrict to certain hours on more than a dozen rivers, including in north Puget Sound, south-central Washington and on the Olympic Peninsula.
WDFW's Ron Warren says they're seeing cooler water temperatures and river flows typical for this time of year. If conditions improve, the agency will likely ease restrictions on other rivers in coming days or weeks.
Fishing is open, or no longer restricted to specified hours, on the rivers listed by region below:
Region 3 - South Central Washington
Hoot owl restrictions lifted on:
Naches River from Tieton River to Bumping River/Little Naches River
Rattlesnake Creek
Yakima River from I-82 at Union Gap to South Cle Elum Bridge
Region 4 - North Puget Sound
Reopening to fishing:
Lower Nooksack River from Slater Road to Deming
Lower Skykomish River
Stillaguamish River from Marine Drive upstream to the North and South forks
Region 5 - Southwest Washington
Hoot-owl restrictions lifted on:
East Fork Lewis River from Lewisville Park upstream
Washougal River from Mt. Norway Bridge upstream
Reopening to fishing:
East Fork Lewis River from Lewisville Park downstream
Washougal River from Mt. Norway Bridge downstream
Region 6 - Olympic Peninsula and South Sound
Hoot owl restrictions lifted on:
Nisqually River
Reopening to fishing:
Quilcene River
Upper Quilleyute River
Lower Dickey River
Lower Sol Duc River
Lower Calawah River
Lower Bogachiel River
Lower Clearwater River
Salmon River