From Olympic National Park rangers Monday. This update adds information about commercial fishing.:
DUE TO CONCERNS about the status, trends, and escapement of Hoh River chinook salmon, Olympic National Park is closing the Hoh River watershed to recreational fishing effective today (Tuesday).
The fishing closure includes those portions of the upper Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, all tributaries, and the Hoh River mouth within ONP.
The Hoh River mouth will be closed to recreational fishing from May 19 through August 31. The Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River and their tributaries will be closed from May 19 through Oct. 31.
This emergency closure is designed to maximize the protection of wild spring/summer chinook in the national park.
The state and tribal forecast for spring/summer chinook is expected to be below the escapement floor of 900 adults.
Escapement refers to the number of chinook that escape commercial and recreational fisheries and reach spawning grounds. Hoh River spring/summer chinook have failed to meet the escapement floor in seven of the last eight years.
Spawning for this unique wild population primarily occurs in ONP.
While the Hoh River watershed is closed, anglers are encouraged by park officials to explore other areas in ONP for fishing.
“The National Park Service seeks to provide diverse recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the preservation and restoration of native fish,” said ONP Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. “However, with the run size at low numbers it is critical to provide additional protection for chinook.”
ONP sport fishing regulations for 2015-2016 are now available on the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm, as well as at park visitor centers, fee booths, ranger stations, and area fishing stores.
“Commercial fishing is prohibited within Olympic NP at all times,” ONP spokeswoman Barb Maynes said in an email. “And our regulations (emergency or standing) only apply to park lands and waters.”
Fishing on the Hoh outside the park is regulated by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Regulations are in its 2015 sportfishing rules pamphlet, online at http://wdfw.wa.gov.
