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. 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.