Fishing to remain closed throughout the Nooksack River

May 20, 2025

Action: Closes all fishing. 

Species affected: All species

Effective dates and locations: 

  • Nooksack River mainstem, from Lummi Nation Reservation boundary to the yellow marker at the FFA High School Barn in Deming: 

    Closed May 24-July 31, 2025.

  • Nooksack River mainstem, from the yellow marker at the FFA High School Barn in Deming to the confluence of North and South forks: 

    Closed May 24, 2025, until further notice.

  • Middle Fork Nooksack, from the mouth to the former City of Bellingham diversion dam: 

    Closed May 24, 2025, until further notice.

  • North Fork Nooksack, from the Highway 9 Bridge to Nooksack Falls: 

    Closed May 24, 2025, until further notice.

  • South Fork Nooksack, from the mouth to Skookum Creek: 

    Closed May 24, 2025, until further notice.

Reason for action: This rule is necessary for the protection of spring Chinook. Projected spring Chinook returns to the Nooksack system are extremely low. 

Additional information: Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.

Information contact: North Puget Sound Region, 425-775-1311.

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.