OLYMPIA — Olympic National Park will open up some waterways to recreational fishing beginning Monday as the region moves toward loosened COVID-19 restrictions.
The relaxation on fishing comes as Clallam County is moving to Phase 2 restrictions Monday, while Jefferson County was approved for Phase 2 earlier this month.
Opening up for fishing are Lake Crescent, the Sol Duc, Gray Wolf, Dosewallips, Duckabush and the North Fork Skokomish rivers. Mountain lakes in the park are also open and subject to normal fishing seasons and regulations.
Anglers are encouraged to practice physical distancing while enjoying the lakes and rivers and to try and stay as close to home as possible
Several other waterways in the park remain closed to fishing. These include Lake Ozette and the Ozette River, Dickey and lower Quillayute rivers, the Bogachiel and South Fork Calawah river systems, the Hoh and South Fork Hoh river systems, Cedar, Goodman, Kalaloch and Mosquito creeks, the Queets and Salmon river systems, Matheny Creek and Sams river and the Quinault, East Fork and North Fork river systems.
Also remaining closed are intertidal and marine waters, Irely Lake and tributaries to the above listed rivers.
The temporary closure to recreational fishing parkwide in late March was in coordination with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and in response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation.
Updates are posted to the park website at www.tinyurl.com/olympicfishing.
State parks reopening
Many state parks on the Olympic Peninsula will be reopening Monday, though none are opening yet for camping.
Camping will be allowed in state parks in 22 counties. The closest counties are Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Mason and Pacific.
However, a number of state parks on the north Peninsula will be opening for day use. These include Miller Peninsula, Sequim Bay, Fort Worden, Fort Flagler, Shine Tidelands, Dosewallips and Fort Townsend.
Remaining closed to day use for the time being are Anderson Lake and Bogachiel state parks.
Even at state parks where camping is approved, cabins, yurts, group campgrounds and other overnight lodging will remain closed.
Visitors are advised to make reservations ahead of time. This ensures that visitors will have a camping spot and also reduces interaction with staff.
“This is an important milestone for the public and for parks,” said Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Director, Don Hoch. “This year, it’s especially important Washingtonians have access to outdoor recreation. We know that access to the outdoors is good for everyone’s health and well-being. Camping is a big part of that outdoor experience.”
WDFW
Some primitive Department of Fish and Wildlife campsites will also reopen, as well as dispersed camping at wildlife areas for counties that have approved camping. None of those are on the north Olympic Peninsula. They are primarily located in Grant, Columbia, Cowlitz and Lewis counties. A list can be found at www.tinyurl.com/wdfwcovid.
WDFW campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis and do not have running water.
Campers and recreational vehicles should be self-contained, as WDFW lands do not offer draining or dumping facilities. Campers are advised to bring their own supplies, including water, soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. As always, pack out what you pack in.
“Camping is a favorite summer activity in Washington and we’re so pleased to be in a place to reopen these opportunities for families to make their summer memories,” said Kelly Susewind, WDFW Director. “We’re glad to invite people back to the wild for responsible overnight stays.”
To minimize staff and visitor interactions, lands managers recommend the following guidelines when camping this summer:
Check and make sure the campground is open beforehand.
Try to choose destinations relatively close to home.
Bring all the supplies you need — including firewood — to reduce the need to stop along the way.
Keep groups small — limit the number of people in your party to five, unless you’re all within the same household.
Camping closed on March 23 to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Free Fishing Day
Anglers can also enjoy free fishing days on June 6 and 7 on state park lands.
Anglers will need to follow state guidelines and health advice for the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to recreate in their local communities, traveling only with family or other members of their immediate household and practicing physical distancing by keeping six feet apart.
Anglers should check ahead of time if their preferred destination or launch is open. Some local marinas or facilities — including some tribal lands — remain closed, and anglers should be prepared to change plans if their first choice is closed or too congested.
Before heading out, anglers should also check the current fishing regulations valid June 6 and 7 at www.tinyurl.com/ fishingregs. While no licenses are required on free fishing weekend, rules such as size limits, bag limits, catch record card requirements (a fee is required for a halibut catch record card) and area closures will still be in effect.
Halibut and razor clam harvest on the coast and intertidal shellfish in Puget Sound will remain closed due to continued port closures and concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in local communities.
While non-resident license sales are still suspended, non-residents can participate in the free fishing weekend since no license is needed.
Catch record cards, required for some species, are available free (except halibut will still cost $5.50) at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state. See www.tinyurl.com/licensedealers on the WDFW website to locate a license dealer.
