August 21, 2020
Action: Opens Chinook retention.
Effective date: Aug. 27 through Sept. 13, 2020
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Location: Whatcom Creek (Whatcom County), from the mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers downstream of the footbridge that is downstream of Dupont Street.
Rule: Min. size 12 inches. Daily limit 1 hatchery Chinook only; release all other salmon. Night closure in effect.
Reason for action: WDFW and co-managers estimate up to 800 surplus hatchery Chinook are available for harvest in Whatcom Creek. These fish were spawned at the Skookum Creek hatchery and released into Whatcom Creek in 2017. They were planted to aid Southern Resident killer whales and other harvest programs. More fish have returned than preseason forecasts predicted.
Additional information: Anglers are reminded that hatchery fish are adipose fin clipped and have a healed scar in that location. All salmon not to be retained as part of the daily limit should be immediately released unharmed.
Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, 425-775-1311
Effective date: Aug. 27 through Sept. 13, 2020
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Location: Whatcom Creek (Whatcom County), from the mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers downstream of the footbridge that is downstream of Dupont Street.
Rule: Min. size 12 inches. Daily limit 1 hatchery Chinook only; release all other salmon. Night closure in effect.
Reason for action: WDFW and co-managers estimate up to 800 surplus hatchery Chinook are available for harvest in Whatcom Creek. These fish were spawned at the Skookum Creek hatchery and released into Whatcom Creek in 2017. They were planted to aid Southern Resident killer whales and other harvest programs. More fish have returned than preseason forecasts predicted.
Additional information: Anglers are reminded that hatchery fish are adipose fin clipped and have a healed scar in that location. All salmon not to be retained as part of the daily limit should be immediately released unharmed.
Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, 425-775-1311