Actions: Eliminates the 16 kokanee daily limit. Implements the statewide daily catch limit for TROUT, including kokanee, to five fish.

Effective Date: 12:01a.m. July 13, 2013.

Species Affected: All trout, including kokanee.

Locations: Cle Elum Lake (Reservoir) in Kittitas County.

Reason for Action: The Yakama Nation and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are continuing the reintroduction of anadromous (sea-going) sockeye salmon in the upper Cle Elum basin. Eliminating the 16 kokanee daily limit and implementing the statewide daily catch limit for TROUT of 5 fish, including kokanee, is necessary to protect juvenile sockeye needed for this reintroduction effort. This is expected to reduce harvest of juvenile sockeye while increasing the catch of trout, including non-native lake trout (mackinaw), eastern brook trout and brown trout.

Other Information: The 7" minimum and 14" maximum size for kokanee retention remains in effect. The 12" minimum size for other trout species also remains unchanged.

Information Contacts: Eric Anderson, District 8 Fish Biologist, (509) 457-9301 (Yakima) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330.