July 21, 2022
Action: Opens sockeye retention.
Effective date: July 22 through July 29, 2022.
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 2 sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Selective gear rules are not in effect for salmon.
Reason for action: The run size was increased to 30,176 sockeye, so additional harvest opportunity is available in the Skagit River.
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 held in 2014 and 2015.
Current river sport share is 1,991 sockeye, but 1,555 were estimated to have been caught during the initial opening. Based on catch and effort rates in the final weeks of the river fishery, the remaining river share may be harvested in seven days. Due to the limited amount of additional catch available in the river, the river limit will remain at 2 sockeye to allow for a full week of salmon fishing opportunity.
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 pamphlet for gamefish rules in these sections.
WDFW will actively monitor the fishery. Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information. Monitoring and evaluation of fisheries is an important part of ensuring conservation goals for salmon are met.
Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311