Tokul Creek to open early for hatchery steelhead, other gamefish

Action: Open Tokul Creek from the Fish Hatchery Road Bridge to the posted cable boundary marker downstream of the hatchery intake for trout and other gamefish.

Action: Open Tokul Creek from the Fish Hatchery Road Bridge to the posted cable boundary marker downstream of the hatchery intake for trout and other gamefish.

Effective date: 7:00 a.m, Dec. 21, 2012 through Feb. 15, 2013

Species affected: Trout, hatchery steelhead and other game fish.

Location: Tokul Creek from the Fish Hatchery Road Bridge upstream to the posted cable boundary marker below the hatchery intake.

Reasons for action: This section of Tokul Creek is closed in the permanent regulations until Jan.15 to allow for winter steelhead broodstock collection at the Tokul Creek Hatchery. However, the hatchery facility is ahead of schedule in collecting winter steelhead broodstock, allowing for expanded fishing opportunity in Tokul Creek.

Other information: Tokul Creek remains open from the mouth to the downstream edge of the Fish Hatchery Road Bridge as listed in the fishing rules pamphlet. Tokul Creek is closed to fishing daily from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.  Anti-snagging rules are in effect. Trout minimum length is 14 inches.  All sections of Tokul Creek will close Feb. 16, 2012 to protect wild steelhead.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the current WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at wdfw.wa.gov for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500; press 2 for recreational rules; call the Shellfish Rule Change hotline, (360) 796-3215, or toll free 1 (866) 880-5431.