Skagit River system will close to fishing early
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Reasons for action: The 2010-2011 forecast of wild steelhead returning to the Skagit River system is well below the spawning goal. These closures 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 Skagit River system to fishing.
Species affected: All game fish.
Locations and effective dates:
- Skagit River mainstem: From mouth to Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.
- Skagit River: From the Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport to the mouth of the Cascade River will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 16, 2011.
- Skagit River: From the mouth of the Cascade River to Gorge powerhouse at Newhalem will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.
- Sauk River: From mouth to Whitechuck River will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.
- Cascade River: From mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 16, 2011.
- Cascade River: From Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge upstream to headwaters will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.
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, Annette.Hoffmann@dfw.wa.gov
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.