NASELLE – An additional area of the Naselle River is now open to salmon fishing near the Naselle Salmon Hatchery through Jan. 31, 2005, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said last week.

State fishing rules have been modified to read: “Closed waters from 400′ upstream to 400′ downstream of entrance to adult attraction channel at the Naselle Salmon Hatchery.”

Daily limit and size restrictions currently listed in the sport fishing rules pamphlet for this section of the Naselle River remain in effect. Also a night closure and single barbless hooks required and line and weight and lure or bait must be moving (not stationary) regulations continue to be in place for this area of the Naselle.

The reason given for action is that recent rains and increasing flow has facilitated the upstream migration of Chinook and brought an abundance of hatchery coho into this area. Additionally, through the placement of a weir earlier this fall, the Naselle Hatchery is on track to meet its Chinook egg take goal.