Hatchery Coho Again Extended On Snoho-Sky; Skagit, Cascade Silvers To Stay Open Extra Week

THE FOLLOWING ARE EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE NOTICES FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Skagit River salmon update

Action: Extends salmon seasons through Oct. 24. Closes all recreational fishing from Highway 9 to Baker River during dates listed.

Location: Skagit River (Skagit County).

Effective dates, locations, and rules:

1.    From Highway 9 at Sedro Woolley to the Baker River: The following dates are closed to all recreational fishing:

• Tuesday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 7
• Tuesday, Oct. 12 through Thursday, Oct. 14
• Tuesday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 21

2.    From the mouth of the Skagit to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge): Salmon fishing is open (with the exception of the dates and area listed above) through Oct. 24, 2021:

Min. size 12”. Daily limit four, of which up to two may be coho. Release Chinook and chum. Night closure.

Species affected: All species.

Reason for action: The Skagit River will close to all fishing from Highway 9 to Baker River during the dates listed to avoid gear conflicts with treaty fisheries scheduled on these dates.

The Skagit River coho return is sufficient to allow for the recreational salmon season to extend through Oct. 24. The extension provides for some opportunity lost during the conflict-avoidance closures.

Additional information: Anglers are asked to respect tribal fishers and reminded to not interfere with tribal fisheries. Continued conflicts could lead to additional time and area closures.

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311

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Cascade River coho season extended from mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge

Action: Extends salmon seasons Tuesdays through Saturdays through Oct. 23.

Location: Cascade River from mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road.

Effective dates: Oct. 16 through Oct. 23, 2021.

Rules:

Salmon fishing is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, (Closed Sundays and Mondays), through October 23, 2021:

Min. size 12”. Daily limit four coho. Release all salmon other than coho.

Anti-snagging rules and night closure in effect.

Species affected: Salmon.

Reason for action: This area of the Cascade River will close to all fishing Sundays and Mondays to avoid gear conflicts with treaty fisheries that will be conducted on these dates.

The coho return is sufficient to allow for the recreational salmon season to extend through Oct. 23.

Additional information: Anglers are asked to respect tribal fishers and reminded to not interfere with tribal fisheries. Continued conflicts could lead to additional time and area closures.

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311

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Salmon seasons on Snohomish and Skykomish extended to Oct. 10 

Action: Extends recreational salmon seasons by one week. 

Effective date: Oct. 4 through Oct. 10, 2021. 

Species affected: Pink salmon and hatchery coho salmon. 

Location: Snohomish and Skykomish rivers. 

Rule: Salmon daily limit four, of which up to one may be a hatchery coho. Min. size 12”. Release all salmon other than pinks and hatchery coho.  

Reason for action: In-season update model indicates additional allowable encounters of non-target species (wild coho and Chinook) during pink opening are available. 

Additional information: All other regulations continue to apply. See the 2021-22 Washington Sport Rules pamphlet, available at eregulations.com/washington/fishing. 

Information contact: WDFW Region 4 Office, teammillcreek@dfw.wa.gov