June 12, 2025
Lower Skykomish River hatchery Chinook and game fish update
Action: Updates gear restrictions in lower Skykomish River to single-point hooks only. Previously announced hatchery Chinook retention and game fish seasons in portions of Skykomish River remain in place.
Species affected: Hatchery Chinook, game fish.
Locations, effective dates, and rules:
Skykomish River, from the mouth to Wallace River:
- Salmon open immediately-July 10:
- Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four including no more than two adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
- Only single-point hooks allowed.
- Night closure in effect.
- Game fish open immediately-July10:
- Dolly varden/bull trout: Minimum size 20 inches. May be retained as part of trout daily limit;
- Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches;
- Other game fish: Statewide minimum size/daily limit;
- Only single-point hooks allowed.
- Night closure in effect.
Skykomish River, from the railroad bridge at Big Eddy upstream to the confluence of North and South forks:
- Game fish open immediately-July13:
- Dolly varden/bull trout: Minimum size 20 inches. May be retained as part of trout daily limit;
- Trout: Statewide minimum size/daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches;
- Other game fish: Statewide minimum size/daily limit;
- Anti-snagging rule, Selective gear rules, and Night closure in effect.
Reason for action: This salmon season is consistent with fisheries agreed to with co-managers during the 2025 North of Falcon (NOF) Season setting process. Chinook impacts agreed to during the NOF season setting process are sufficient to allow for the game fish seasons listed in this rule.
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 additional fishing rules.
Information contact: North Puget Sound – Region 4 Office, (425) 775-1311