Baker Lake Sockeye To Open July 17 With A 2-fish Limit

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Action: Opens Baker Lake to fishing for and retaining sockeye salmon.

Effective date: July 17 through August 31, 2021.

KIMBERLY WHITEHEAD HOLDS A BAKER LAKE SOCKEYE SHE CAUGHT DURING 2016’S SEASON. THIS YEAR’S FISHERY WAS INITIALLY ANNOUNCED TO OPEN JULY 10, BUT WITH VERY FEW FISH PLACED IN THE LAKE AT THAT POINT LAST WEEK, STATE MANAGERS DECIDED TO POSTPONE THE OPENER TILL AT LEAST JULY 17. SINCE THEN THE RUN HAS SURGED AND AT LEAST 7,233 HAVE BEEN TRUCKED INTO THE UPPER BAKER RIVER IMPOUNDMENT. (FISHING PHOTO CONTEST)

Species affected: Sockeye salmon.

Location: Baker Lake(Whatcom Co): Catch record card code: 825.

Rule: Daily limit 2 sockeye only. Min. size 18”.

Anglers may fish with two poles with the purchase of a Two-Pole Endorsement.

Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon angling gear until the daily salmon limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.

Reason for action: Harvestable numbers of sockeye have been transported to Baker Lake.   

Additional information: This fishery may close early if fishery monitoring data indicates the sockeye escapement goal to the lake is threatened. The lake escapement goal is 1,500 sockeye left to spawn naturally in the lake and tributaries. Anglers should regularly check for WDFW emergency rule updates and consider signing up for emailed regulation updates and rule change notifications for the latest information.