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Chehalis Tribes May Cite Anglers on 10 Miles of the Chehalis River
The tribe wants non-members to buy its permits. Washington disputes that, but tells anglers to steer clear for now.
The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation have said they may cite non-tribal anglers who fish an approximately 10-mile section of the Chehalis River without a tribal permit, $500 for boat fishing or $45 for bank fishing, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said September 29. Gear or boats could be seized.
The stretch runs from about South Bank Road near Oakville upstream to Moon Road SW near Helsing Junction, through a mix of reservation land, off-reservation tribal trust land and private land. It is a popular reach for fall coho and steelhead under state sport fishing rules.
The state disputes the tribe's position. WDFW says the river is federally navigable, that federal and state law allow floating and fishing navigable waters, and that state law generally allows public access below the ordinary high-water mark. It is talking with tribal leaders, the attorney general's office and county officials and law enforcement.
Until that is settled, WDFW advises anglers and guides to avoid the section or float through without anchoring, wading or fishing from shore. If tribal officers make contact, the department says to stay polite, show a Washington license and catch record card if asked, ask whether you are being detained or are free to go, and if gear or a boat is seized, to stay respectful and contact the county sheriff or WDFW Police.
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