Hatchery spring Chinook sport fishery extended in a section of the North Fork Nooksack River

June 30, 2021

Action: Extends the hatchery Chinook fishery in a section of the North Fork Nooksack River.

Effective date: July 1, 2021

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Location: North Fork Nooksack River (Whatcom Co.) from the HWY 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of Kendall Hatchery.

Rule: Open 7/1/2021 - 7/09/2021: Salmon: Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.

Up to 2 marked Chinook may be retained. Marked Chinook are identified by a clipped adipose fin. 12" minimum size.

Release all other salmon.

Night closure and anti-snagging rules in effect.

Hatchery Chinook are identified by a clipped adipose fin with a healed scar.

Reason for action: Shortly after reopening the sport fishery on June 18, the weather got hot and the river became high and turbid resulting in poor to unfishable fishing conditions.

Additional information: The extension proposal was reviewed and approved by NOAA fisheries. WDFW will continue to carefully monitor and manage this sport fishery to ensure future season opportunities are not jeopardized. Anglers are encouraged to check the emergency rules webpage or the rule change hotline below for in-season management actions.
Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information.

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, (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. 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.