March 28, 2017

Anglers fishing Lake Sammamish can now retain hatchery-reared coho

Action: Institutes landlocked salmon rules, allowing retention of marked hatchery-origin coho salmon. Adds a 12-inch minimum size to any marked hatchery-origin coho salmon.

Location: Lake Sammamish (King Co.)

Effective dates: Immediately through May 31, 2017.

Species affected: Hatchery-origin coho salmon.

Reasons for action: Reports indicate that there are a number of hatchery-origin coho salmon that residualized in Lake Sammamish. This regulation would allow anglers to retain residual marked hatchery-origin coho salmon greater than 12 inches in length as part of the trout daily limit.

Other information: In waters where landlocked salmon rules apply, salmon are regulated as trout. The angler's combined catch of marked hatchery coho salmon and trout applies toward the trout limit. All kokanee and all Chinook must be released. All steelhead and rainbow trout over 20 inches must also be released. Minimum size for retention of any marked hatchery-origin coho salmon is 12 inches. Marked hatchery-origin coho salmon are identified by a healed scar in the location of the adipose fin.

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311