EDITOR’S NOTE: This report has been corrected to reflect that commercial tribal fishing on portions of the Hoh River within Olympic National Park is allowed in “usual and accustomed” areas.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — The portion of the Hoh River and its tributaries that are within the national park have been closed to recreational fishing.
The closure, which began Tuesday, is due to concerns about the status, trends and escapement of Hoh River Chinook salmon, said Barb Maynes, Olympic National Park spokeswoman.
The fishing closure includes those portions of the upper Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, all tributaries, and the Hoh River mouth within Olympic National Park.
The Hoh River mouth will remain closed through Aug. 31.
The Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River and their tributaries will be closed through October 31.
Commercial tribal fishing on portions of the Hoh River within the park is allowed in “usual and accustomed” areas.
The emergency closure is designed to maximize the protection of wild spring/summer chinook salmon in the park, Maynes said.
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 the park.
“The National Park Service seeks to provide diverse recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the preservation and restoration of native fish,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said.
“However, with the run size at low numbers, it is critical to provide additional protection for chinook.”
While the Hoh River watershed is closed, other areas in the park are open to recreational fishing.
For park sport fishing regulations for 2015-16, see www.tinyurl.com/PDN-parkfishing and check park visitor centers, fee booths, ranger stations and area fishing stores.
