Fishing to close in the Nooksack River, including all forks

January 6, 2023

Action: Closes all fishing.

Effective dates: January 7, 2023, until further notice.

Species affected: All species

Locations: Nooksack River mainstem from Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to Forks; North Fork from Hwy. 9 Bridge to Nooksack Falls; Middle Fork from mouth to former site of Bellingham diversion dam, South Fork from mouth to Skookum Creek.

Reason for action: Current hatchery steelhead returns to Kendall Hatchery are well short of broodstock needs. Closing all fishing is necessary to increase the odds of meeting program broodstock objectives.

Additional information: WDFW will continue to monitor the return and evaluate if any hatchery steelhead harvest opportunity can be offered once the broodstock goal is within reach or met.

Information contact: Team Mill Creek: 425-775-1311 or TeamMillCreek@dfw.wa.gov

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.