OLYMPIA — Washington fish and wildlife officials have enacted fishing restrictions on 38 rivers over concerns of drought-related dead and stressed fish.
The Spokesman Review reports that the statewide closures are set in areas where drought conditions have reduced flows and increased water temperatures.
State fish program manager Craig Burley says high water temperatures can be deadly for fish, especially trout, while diminished stream flows can strand migrating salmon and steelhead.
The Kettle River near Republic is one of 21 rivers that will be closed to fishing when the emergency rules take effect on Saturday.
