Grays and West Fork Grays rivers to close for hatchery coho retention

Published 12:55 pm Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Effective Oct. 6 until further notice the Grays and West Fork Grays rivers will be closed to retention of coho.

The Grays River Hatchery coho return to date is below what is needed for hatchery broodstock. The 2018 return has been influenced by poor ocean conditions and reduced juvenile releases in previous years. Closing coho retention in the Grays River and West Fork Grays River will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure fishing opportunities in future years.

The closure is for the Grays River to the mouth of the South Fork Grays River and West Fork Grays River from the mouth upstream.

Fishing remains open on the mainstem Grays River upstream of the mouth of the South Fork as well as the South and East Fork Grays Rivers under permanent rule as described in the 2018/2019 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.