North Fork Nooksack River closes Dec. 15

December 13, 2007

Action: Part of the North Fork of the Nooksack River will be closed to fishing in order to ensure egg-take goals are met for hatchery winter steelhead at the Kendall Creek Hatchery.

Effective dates: Dec. 15, 2007 until further notice.

Species affected: All gamefish.

Location: The North Fork Nooksack River from the yellow post located at the upstream most corner of the hatchery grounds, approximately 1,000 feet upstream of the mouth of Kendall Creek, downstream to the Mosquito Lake Road Bridge.

Reasons for action: The Kendall Creek Hatchery in recent years has been unable to secure sufficient eggs from returning hatchery winter steelhead to meet basin production goals. Closure of the fishery, coupled with a broodstocking effort by volunteers and department staff, is expected to collect sufficient fish to meet egg take needs.

Other information: When broodstock needs are met, the fishery will revert to seasons as listed in the Sport fishing Rules 2007/2008 pamphlet edition, FISHING IN WASHINGTON.

Information Contact: Brett Barkdull, 360-466-4345 ext. 270, barkdbcb@dfw.wa.gov.

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.