Closure of Nooksack River to fishing

December 11, 2014

December 11, 2014

Closure of the Nooksack River to fishing

Action: Close all of the Nooksack River and forks to fishing.

Effective dates: Dec. 16, 2014 until further notice.

Species affected: All species.

Locations:

The Nooksack River from mouth to the confluence of the North and South Forks.

The South Fork Nooksack from mouth to Skookum Creek.

The Middle Fork Nooksack from mouth to city of Bellingham diversion dam.

The North Fork from mouth to Nooksack Falls.

Reasons for action: The Kendall Creek Hatchery and Whatcom Creek Hatchery programs in recent years have had difficulty securing sufficient eggs from returning hatchery winter steelhead to meet basin production goals. Closure of the fishery is needed to collect sufficient fish to meet egg take needs.

Other information: When the combined broodstock needs of Kendall Creek Hatchery, and Whatcom Creek Hatchery are met, the fishery will be reopened and revert to seasons as listed in the Sport fishing Rules 2014/2015 pamphlet edition, FISHING IN WASHINGTON

Information Contact: Brett Barkdull, 360-466-4345 ext. 270

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.