May 23, 2025
Action: Opens game fish seasons.
Effective dates: May 24-July 13.
Species affected: All game fish.
Locations and rules:
- North Fork of Skykomish River from the mouth to 1,000 feet downstream of Bear Creek:
- Catch and release.
- Selective gear rules.
- Anti-snagging rules.
- South Fork of Skykomish River from Sunset Falls upstream:
- Trout; statewide minimum size/daily limit, except cutthroat and wild rainbow trout minimum size is 14 inches.
- Other game fish; statewide minimum size/daily limit.
- Selective gear rules.
- Anti-snagging rules.
- Snoqualmie River from Highway 202 Bridge at Fall City to Snoqualmie Falls:
- Trout; statewide minimum size/daily limit, except cutthroat and wild rainbow trout minimum size is 14 inches.
- Other game fish; statewide minimum size/daily limit.
- Selective gear rules.
- Anti-snagging rules.
Reason for action: These game fish seasons were initially closed in 2022 to protect summer Chinook, which had extremely low returns that year. The 2025 expected returns are sufficient to allow this limited game fish opportunity. Summer Chinook presence in these areas, during this time period, is low and coupled with the gear restrictions implemented with this rule will impose very limited to no impact on returning summer Chinook.
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: Fish Program, 360-902-2700.