Rule to Change: Page 35 of this years pamphlet: In 2010 we adopted a new management strategy that offers additional protection to stocks in streams draining into Puget Sound or the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The basic rule in these waters is that all rivers, streams, and beaver ponds are closed to fishing unless they are listed in the following tables in the Puget Sound and Strait Rivers section of the pamphlet (see pages 37-52). These tables detail ALL of the fishing opportunity in these drainages. Areas open to fisheries are presented by river system unless the waters drain directly to salt water. All other waters in these drainages are closed to fishing. We have provided a map (below) of these watersheds to get you started on locating an area where you would like to fish. There is also an alphabetical list of open areas (see following page and special rules). Remaining westside rivers and all eastside rivers are listed in the conventional format and still fall under the statewide seasons, unless otherwise noted.
By definition this stream is currently closed
New Rule Proposal: South Fork Nooksack River and all tributaries, upstream from and including Wanlick Creek. Season first Saturday in June through October. Fly Fishing only, Catch and Release.
Why the change is needed: Salmon and steelhead have never been sighted in the South Fork Nooksack River upstream from Wanlick Creek.
The South Fork Nooksack River and Wanlick Creek, as well as all their tributaries, host a mix of native fishes that are abundant into the very headwaters. The aquatic environment there is excellent. Listing this isolated stream system will offer more than 30 miles of excellent and diverse angling opportunities to sports fishermen.
This gently sloped valley and the easily waded streams are unusually friendly to outdoor enthusiasts. The drainage encompasses mountain forests and spectacular alpine cirques. It includes a unique, New Zealand like botanical and physical environment that is the largest display of this kind in the western hemisphere. Sport fishermen will be able to wade and fish all the way up the ice fields.
This is one stream in a larger package that will allow for at least 80 more miles of dispersed fishing recreation for sportsmen, while being supportive of management goals in this watershed.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Brett Barkdull, District 14 Fish Biologist
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Support. This proposal was discussed with Brett and edited in order to fit within the framework of the stream strategy adopted in 2010
Submitted by: MULLEN, KEVIN D — SEDRO WOOLLEY, WA
Date submitted: 06/12/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW668335
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Increase angling opportunity on the South Fork Nooksack River
Rules Category Puget Sound Region Freshwater
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Skagit/ Whatcom counties
Short Description South Fork Nooksack River and all tributaries, upstream from and including Wanlick Creek. Season first Saturday in June through October. Fly fishing only, catch and release.
Explanation Salmon and steelhead have never been sighted in the South Fork Nooksack River upstream from Wanlick Creek. The South Fork Nooksack River and Wanlick Creek, as well as all their tributaries, host a mix of native fishes that are abundant into the very headwaters. The aquatic environment there is excellent. Listing this isolated stream system will offer more than 30 miles of excellent and diverse angling opportunities to sport fishermen. This gently sloped valley and the easily waded streams are unusually friendly to outdoor enthusiasts. The drainage encompasses mountain forests and spectacular alpine cirques. It includes a unique, New Zealand like botanical and physical environment that is the largest display of this kind in the western hemisphere. Sport fishermen will be able to wade and fish all the way up the ice fields.
