HOODSPORT — The state Department of Fish and Wildlife opened a new wheelchair-accessible fishing site at the department’s Hoodsport Hatchery.
The Hood Canal site includes a federally compliant ramp, grated walkways and a new fishing platform with a gate, fencing, handrails and fishing slots.
Only people with disabilities who permanently use a wheelchair and/or those who have a designated harvest card are allowed to use the site and to fish adjacent waters inshore from the yellow marker buoys to the mouth of Finch Creek.
A designated harvest card issued by the department allows a licensed fishermen with a disability to receive assistance from another licensed individual.
People with disabilities who permanently use a wheelchair have priority over others if the site becomes crowded.
Able-bodied anglers are allowed to fish in other designated areas at the hatchery.
All anglers are required to have appropriate fishing licenses and follow fishing seasons and rules for Marine Area 12.
Wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms also are available at the hatchery.
Anglers should be aware that space is limited at the new site, which can accommodate only two or three wheelchairs at a time.
The new site is available on a first-come, first-served basis during hatchery hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
The Hoodsport hatchery is located on the east side of U.S. Highway 101, 200 feet north of the intersection of state Highways 101 and 119.
For more information, contact the hatchery at 360-877-6408.
