Current Reiter Ponds area summer fishing closure extended

July 24, 2003

Action: Extend current fishing closure on the Skykomish River around Reiter Ponds.

Effective date: 8 a.m. August 1, 2003, until further notice

Species affected: Steelhead, salmon and all other game fish.

Location: 1500 feet upstream to 1000 feet downstream of the Reiter Ponds outlet on the Skykomish River

Reason for action: Reiter Ponds are the source of the majority of North Puget Sound's hatchery summer steelhead egg needs. Approximately 400 adult steelhead need to be collected at the facility to fulfill the egg take requirement. To date, only 122 fish, or 31 percent, of the summer-run broodstock adults have been collected at the Reiter Ponds trap. Based on historic run-timing and trapping data, it is unlikely that the needed number of adults will be trapped prior to the scheduled fishing opening listed in the Fishing Rules Pamphlet.

This emergency extension will remain in effect until a minimum of 350 summer-run adult steelhead have entered the trap.

Information contact: Curt Kraemer, Fish Management Program, (425) 775-1311 ext. 101

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.