June 23, 2025
Action: Closes a portion of lower Skagit River to all fishing June 26-27 and June 30‑July 1. Maintains previously announced sockeye seasons, outside of gear conflict closure.
Effective date: Immediately-July 15, 2025.
Species affected: All species, sockeye salmon.
Specific Skagit River locations and rules:
From the Hwy. 536 bridge (Memorial Hwy Bridge) in Mt. Vernon to Gilligan Creek:
- Immediately-July 15: Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement.
From Gilligan Creek to the Dalles Bridge
- Immediately-June 25: Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement.
- June 26-27: Closed to fishing for all species.
- June 28-29: Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement.
- June 30-July 1: Closed to fishing for all species.
- July 2-15: Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement.
From Dalles Bridge to Baker River:
- Immediately-June 25: Follow rules as listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
- June 26-27: Closed to fishing for all species.
- June 28-29: Follow rules as listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
- June 30- July 1: Closed to fishing for all species.
- July 2-15: Follow rules as listed in Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Reason for action: The temporary fishing closures from Gilligan Creek to the Baker River are necessary to avoid gear conflicts during scheduled treaty fisheries.
Additional information on tribal fisheries: There will be more periodic closures to prevent conflicts during tribal fisheries. In-season closures to prevent gear conflicts during tribal fisheries will be announced as soon as possible and are expected July 7‑9 and July 14–15.
The Baker River ramp and access area will also be closed during tribal fisheries.
Interference and harassment of tribal fishers will lead to additional closure times and areas.
Additional information on sport fisheries: 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.
The sport fishery is 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 we are meeting our conservation and harvest goals for salmon.
The sockeye sport harvest guideline in the river fishery will be 25% of the state share. The remaining 75% will be reserved for Baker Lake opportunity. See 2025-2026 pamphlet for Baker Lake season and rules. River sport share is over 6,000 fish, but the amount may change with in-season runsize updates.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to download the Fish Washington mobile app and sign up for the Fishing Rule Change email notifications. Check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Please see the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional fishing rules.
Information contact: North Puget Sound Office, (425) 775-1311