Fishing to close on the Nooksack River

January 7, 2014

Action: Close the Nooksack River and forks to fishing.

Effective dates: Jan. 9 through Jan. 31, 2014.

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 Hatchery has been unable to collect enough returning hatchery winter steelhead broodstock to meet egg take needs. Closure of the fishery is necessary to collect sufficient fish to meet egg take needs.

Other information: On Feb. 1 the fisheries will re-open to fishing as listed in the 2013-14 Fishing in Washington sport fishing pamphlet.

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.