THE FOLLOWING FISHING RULE CHANGE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WIDLLIFE

Snohomish system closure update

Action: Closes all fishing upstream of Highway US2 Bridge for Skykomish River. Maintains previously announced Snohomish system closures.

Species affected: All species.

Effective dates and locations:

• Closed to all fishing beginning Aug. 2, 2023, until further notice:
  • Skykomish River, from Highway US2 Bridge (above Big Eddy) to confluence of North and South forks.
• Currently closed to all fishing, until further notice:
  • Snohomish River, from mouth upstream.
  • Snoqualmie River, from mouth to Snoqualmie Falls.
  • Skykomish River, from mouth to Highway US2 Bridge (above Big Eddy).
  • Skykomish River, North Fork.
  • Skykomish River, South Fork, from mouth upstream.
  • Cherry Creek.
  • Raging River.
  • Sultan River.
  • Tolt River, from mouth to confluence of North and South Forks.
  • Wallace River, from mouth to 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery.

Reason for action: Chinook presence has been observed in the Skykomish River in the area near Reiter ponds. Due to limited allowable take of wild Chinook in the Snohomish system, strict controls are needed to conserve Chinook impacts for pink and coho fisheries later this fall.

Additional information: The Snohomish wild Chinook population saw a record low return of 1,023 in 2019 – the year when dominant age class four-year old Chinook returning in 2023 would have been hatched – there is now significant concern for a poor return of wild Chinook to the Snohomish and its tributaries this year. For additional information, go to the WDFW blog.

Information contact: Team Mill Creek, 425-775-1311.