Lower Skagit River fishing updates

June 26, 2024

Action: Closes a portion of lower Skagit River to all fishing June 30 through July 2. Maintains previously announced sockeye seasons, outside of gear conflict closure. 

Effective date: Immediately, through July 15, 2024.

Species affected: All species, sockeye salmon.

Specific locations and rules: 

  • Skagit River, from the Highway 536 Bridge (Memorial Highway Bridge) in Mount Vernon to the Highway 9 Bridge in Sedro Woolley:
    • Immediately through July 15: Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules not in effect for salmon.
  • Skagit River, from the Highway 9 Bridge in Sedro Woolley to the Dalles Bridge at Concrete: 
    • Immediately, through June 29: Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules not in effect for salmon.
    • June 30 through July 2: Closed to fishing for all species.
    • July 3-15, 2024: Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules not in effect for salmon.
  • Skagit River, from the Dalles Bridge at Concrete to the mouth of the Baker River:
    • June 30 through July 2: Closed to fishing for all species.

Reason for action: The temporary fishing closure from Highway 9 in Sedro Woolley to the Baker River is necessary to avoid gear conflicts during scheduled treaty fisheries.    

Additional information: Anglers are asked to respect tribal fishers and reminded to not interfere with tribal fisheries. 

The Baker River ramp and access area will also be closed on these dates. 

In areas open for sockeye, selective gear rules remain in effect for gamefish. If anglers are not following selective gear rules, all species other than sockeye must be released. Please see Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for gamefish rules in this area. 

There will be periodic closures to prevent gear conflicts during tribal fisheries. In-season closures will be announced as soon as possible.  Consider downloading the FishWA mobile app or signing up for fishery change notifications by email.

The fishery will be actively monitored by WDFW. Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information. Monitoring and evaluation of fisheries is an important part of ensuring conservation goals for salmon are met.

 

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. 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.