Baker Lake opens early to sockeye fishing

July 6, 2016

Action: Opens Baker Lake to fishing for sockeye salmon


Effective dates: July 6, 2016

Species affected: Sockeye salmon

Location: Baker Lake, upstream of the log boom barrier in front of upper Baker Dam to the mouth of the Baker River.

Reasons for action: Baker Lake sockeye have returned in greater numbers, earlier in the season, than anticipated. Therefore the fishery is being opened prior to the preseason set date of July 10.

Other information: Daily limit is five adult sockeye salmon greater than 18 inches in length. Kokanee/sockeye less than 18 inches in length are by definition kokanee, while those 18 inches and larger are adult sockeye. Release all other salmon.

Freshwater fishing rules apply. These rules include the requirement that fishers have a current freshwater or combination license and catches must be immediately recorded on their sport catch record card. A two-pole endorsement is allowed for this fishery. The catch record card code for Baker Lake is 825.

All other fishing regulations except the opening date remain in effect as listed in the 2016/2017 Washington Sport Fishing rules pamphlet. Anglers are reminded to release all bull trout.

Please see the Baker Sockeye web page at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/sockeye/baker_river.html for further information on seasons, access sites and fish counts.

Information Contact: WDFW Region 4 (North Puget Sound) office, (425) 775-1311.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions 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 toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.