The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) announced that Lake Quinault is open to fishing and the use of resident boats, including power boats, from August 1, 2020 through October 25, 2020.
Only those boats qualifying as “resident boats,” however, are allowed on the lake.
The Quinault Nation is the sole owner of Lake Quinault up to its Ordinary High-Water Mark, and they say that the decision to reopen to resident boats only is part of QIN’s process to help facilitate social distancing in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic and to prevent the spread of invasive species in the lake
These invasive species include zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand Mudsnails and invasive noxious weeds like knotweed that can be transported by boats, trailers and other boating accessories.
The Nation currently does not have enough trained inspectors available to inspect and certify vessels classed as “non-resident.”
Following are the Quinault Nation’s fishing and boating rules and regulations as part of this limited reopening:
Motorized boats are allowed as part of the opening for fishing, but operators should be familiar with the speed regulations for use on the lake. Lake boating is limited to sail and human-powered boats outside of fishing season.
“Boating” means the use of any permitted vessel propelled on water by paddle, oars, sails, motor or engine, including but not limited to canoes, kayaks, paddle or surf boards, and rafts. Use of items commonly associated with swimming such as inner tubes, inflatable mattresses, and the like are not considered to be “boats” and are allowed for use during swimming.