Mexican Fish Report

Action: Opens Drano Lake for angling and harvest of salmon and steelhead. 

Effective date: Thursday, May 13, 2021 until further notice.  

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead. 

Location: In the waters downstream of markers on point of land downstream and across from Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery and upstream of the Highway 14 bridge. 

Rule: Salmon and steelhead daily limit is 2 fish, up to 1 of which may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead.  

Reason for action: Drano Lake was closed to salmon and steelhead angling in early May to ensure that expanded broodstock collection at Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery (LWSNFH) was achieved.  Hatchery managers have indicated that the broodstock collection goal for LWSNFH has been met, making continued closure of the salmon and steelhead fisheries unnecessary. While the hatchery goal for this facility has been met, shortfalls at other Columbia Basin hatcheries that can utilize ‘Carson stock’ remain uncertain, therefore managers are implementing a conservative daily limit to help support hatchery production throughout the region.  

Additional information: Anglers are reminded that Drano Lake is closed to sport fishing on Wednesdays through June 30, 2021.  All other permanent rules published in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet remain in effect. WDFW is closely monitoring Chinook returns to Carson NFH on the Wind River and will provide subsequent notification if the Wind River salmon and steelhead closure is rescinded.   

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, 360-906-6746.