Actions: Lewis River anglers must release all spring chinook, and the

North Fork Lewis will close to all fishing upstream from Johnson Creek.

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Effective date and locations: Effective Feb. 15, 2013 until further notice.

Until further notice, all chinook must be released on the mainstem Lewis River from the mouth upstream to the mouth of the East Fork.

Until further notice, all chinook must be released on the North Fork Lewis River from mouth of the East Fork upstream to the overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam.

Through May 31, 2013, fishing is closed for all species on the North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek (located downstream from the Lewis River Salmon Hatchery) upstream to Merwin Dam.

Reason for action: Spring chinook returns to the Lewis River are predicted to be below average in 2013. The expected returns are needed to provide for the hatchery escapement goals and do not provide sufficient numbers of fish for harvest. Hatchery returns will be monitored weekly to assess the strength of the returns.

Other information: Lewis spring chinook hatchery returns will be closely monitored in-season.

The mainstem Lewis River and North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek downstream remain open to fishing for hatchery steelhead. The North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek upstream will reopen to fishing for hatchery steelhead June 1.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.