Lower Skykomish River opens for hatchery Chinook and game fish, upper river for game fish

June 6, 2025

Action: Opens hatchery Chinook retention and game fish seasons in portions of the Skykomish River.

Species affected: Hatchery Chinook, game fish.

Locations, effective dates, and rules: 

Skykomish River, from the mouth to Wallace River:

  • Salmon open June 10—July 10:
    • Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four, including no more than two adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
    • Anti-snagging rule and night closure in effect.
  • Game fish open June 10—July 10:
    • 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 and 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 June 10—July 13:
    • 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, 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.