June 14, 2023
Action: Opens sockeye retention in portions of the Skagit River.
Effective date: June 16 through July 15, 2023.
Species affected: Sockeye salmon.
Location: Skagit River (Skagit Co.); from the Hwy. 536 Bridge (Memorial Hwy Bridge) in Mt. Vernon to the Dalles Bridge at Concrete. (CRC 830).
Rule: Min. size 12”. Daily limit three sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules are not in effect for salmon.
Reason for action: Harvestable numbers of sockeye are forecast to return to the Baker system.
Additional information: Selective gear rules remain in effect for gamefish. If anglers are not following selective gear rules, all species other than sockeye must be released. Please see Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for gamefish rules in these sections. Current pamphlet is in effect through June 30. The 2023-2024 pamphlet goes into effect July 1.
Sockeye harvest in the river fishery will be limited to 20% of state share. The remaining 80% will be reserved for Baker Lake opportunity. The split was agreed to between anglers during public sockeye workshops in 2014 and 2015. Current river sport share is over 2,000 fish, but exact number could change with in-season run-size updates.
There will be periodic closures to prevent conflicts during tribal fisheries. In-season closures will be announced as soon as possible. Consider downloading the FishWA app or signing up for fishery change notifications by email on the WDFW webpage.
The fishery will be actively monitored by WDFW. Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information. Monitoring and evaluation of fisheries is an important part of ensuring we are meeting our conservation goals for salmon.
Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311.