Fishing Rule Change
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

February 15, 2006



Skykomish River closes to fishing


Action: The Skykomish River will close to all fishing March 1, 2006. The closure effects the spring (March and April) catch-and-release season.



Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2006.



Species affected: Steelhead and all other game fish.



Location: Skykomish River from its mouth (near the Highway 522 Bridge) to the mouth of the Sultan River.



Reason for action: The forecast for Snohomish River system wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2005/2006) is 2,322, which is approximately 36 percent of the basin’s wild winter steelhead spawning escapement goal of 6,500. Due to the low run-size forecast this year, every effort is being taken to maximize the escapement of wild steelhead. The closure of the catch-and-release fishery will prevent incidental hooking mortality and disturbance of spawning fish.



Additional Information: This area will reopen to fishing June 1, 2006.



Information contact: Chad Jackson, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311, ext. 113.



Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the current WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at wdfw.wa.gov for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500; press 2 for recreational rules; call the Shellfish Rule Change hotline, (360) 796-3215, or toll free 1 (866) 880-5431.