NASELLE — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is asking anglers to be mindful of construction boundaries when fishing near the Naselle Hatchery in Pacific County. The facility is under renovation and the nearby section of the Naselle River opens to salmon retention on Oct. 16.
“The Naselle Hatchery is undergoing major reconstruction and will reopen to the public for fishing on Oct. 16,” said John Larson, WDFW Coastal Region hatchery operations manager. “For everyone’s safety, the public must remain outside all construction areas and stay within designated pedestrian access areas. Failure to comply with construction boundaries may result in closing public access. Thank you for your cooperation and for keeping everyone safe.”
Additionally, boaters participating in this popular fishery should use extreme caution when navigating the new diversion structures on the Naselle River near the hatchery because the layout and conditions have changed.
Signs are posted at the facility to support safe, orderly parking, and public access to the river. The hatchery is one of the few public access points to this section of the river, so WDFW intends to keep public access to the facility open during construction.
The facility will remain an active work site through the fishing season, and restricted areas will change. WDFW asks anglers to please follow posted signs, barriers, and the direction of hatchery staff during the season.
The renovation will modernize the hatchery to improve efficiency, capacity, and fish handling. The project is currently in its second phase, which will result in a new fish weir, adult fish ladder, and adult collection, sorting, and spawning facilities, as well as upgraded equipment for natural-origin fish passage. Phase two began in May and is expected to finish in fall 2027.
Phase three will include a new pollution abatement pond, incubation building, and rearing ponds. Phase 1 was completed in 2021.
For more information on fishing regulations on the Naselle River, refer to the Washington Sport Fishing Rules or Fish Washington® mobile app. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Source: WDFW
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
