Strait of Juan de Fuca rivers will close early to fishing
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Reasons for action: There is an unknown number of wild steelhead returning to these streams for the 2010-2011 season. Wild steelhead escapements to these waters over the past several years have shown a declining trend. 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 rivers along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to fishing.
Species affected: All game fish.
Effective date: Feb. 1, 2011
Locations:
- Dungeness River: From mouth upstream to the forks at Dungeness Forks Campground.
- Morse Creek: From mouth to Port Angeles Dam.
- Salt Creek: From mouth to bridge on Highway 112.
- Deep Creek: From mouth upstream.
- Pysht River: From mouth upstream.
- Clallam River: From mouth upstream.
- Sekiu River: From mouth to forks.
Other information: Rules re-opening fisheries in the Snohomish River basin will be listed in the 2011/2012 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet.
Information Contact: Mike Gross, District 16 Fish Biologist, (360) 249-4628, Mike.Gross@dfw.wa.gov; Randy Cooper, District 16 Fish Biologist, (360) 765-3979, Randy.Cooper@dfw.wa.gov; Kirt Hughes, Region 6 Fish Program Manager, (360) 249-4628, Kirt.Hughes@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.