North Fork Nooksack River hatchery spring Chinook season extended

June 8, 2022

Action: Opens a section of the North Fork Nooksack River to hatchery spring Chinook fishing and retention.

Effective date: Immediately, through June 30, 2022

Species affected: Hatchery spring Chinook

Location: Nooksack River, North Fork (Whatcom Co.); from the Hwy. 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of the Kendall Hatchery. CRC (790)

Rule: Daily limit 2 hatchery Chinook, min. size 12". Release all other salmon. Night closure and anti-snagging rules in effect.

Reason for action: The hatchery spring Chinook forecast was sufficient to allow in-river harvest opportunity, and current catch is within conservation guidelines.

Additional information: River conditions have been poor for sport fishing a majority of the time since the fishery opened and current catch is well within guidelines, making the extension possible.

The fishery will continue to be monitored and may close earlier than scheduled if the total encounters agreed to are reached or extended if maximum encounters are not likely to be exceeded.

Thank you to the anglers who have participated in this fishery for their cooperation with creel personnel collecting catch information. Monitoring and evaluation is an important part of ensuring fisheries meet conservation goals for salmon.

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. 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.