Nooksack River will close to fishing early
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Reasons for action: The Nooksack River wild steelhead run is depressed and will not meet the spawning goal for the 2010/2011 return year. This action will reduce the incidental hooking mortalities of wild steelhead. Puget Sound wild steelhead populations are listed as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act.
Action: Close the Nooksack River system to fishing.
Species affected: All game fish.
Locations and effective dates:
- Nooksack River mainstem: From the Lummi Indian reservation boundary to confluence of North and South forks will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.
- North Fork Nooksack River: From mouth to Maple Creek will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 16, 2011.
- North Fork Nooksack River: From Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.
- Middle Fork Nooksack River: From mouth to City of Bellingham diversion Dam will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.
- South Fork Nooksack River: From mouth to Skookum Creek will be closed to all fishing Feb. 1, 2011
Other information: Rules re-opening fisheries in the Nooksack River basin will be listed in the 2011/2012 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet.
Information Contact: Brett Barkdull, District 14 Fish Biologist, (360) 466-4345, Ext. 270, Brett.Barkdull@dfw.wa.gov; Annette Hoffmann, Region 4 Fish Program Manager, (425) 775-1311.
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.