Portion of North Fork Stillaguamish River will be closing to fishing

November 24, 2010

November 24, 2010

Portion of the North Fork Stillaguamish River will close to fishing

Action: Closes a portion of the North Fork Stillaguamish River.

Effective dates: Dec. 1, 2010 through Jan. 31, 2011.

Species affected: All game fish.

Location: North Fork Stillaguamish River, downstream from the Swede Heaven Bridge approximately 4 river miles to the French Creek confluence. This closure includes the Whitehorse Hatchery effluent and Fortson Hole area of the North Fork Stillaguamish.

Reasons for action: The Whitehorse Hatchery facility is significantly below its steelhead egg-take requirements that are needed to achieve the release target of 70,000 summer and 140,000 winter hatchery steelhead smolts. The closure of the fishery in this area is necessary in order to collect sufficient fish to meet broodstock needs.

Other information: If spawning goals are met prior to Jan 31, the department may re-open this section of the river.

Information Contact: Jennifer Whitney, District 13 Fish Biologist, 425-775-1311 ext. 107, whitnjlw@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.