Quillayute system reopens to fishing beginning Oct. 1

September 26, 2023

Action: Reopens fishing in the Quillayute system under permanent rules.

Effective date: October 1, 2023.

Species affected: All species.

Rules: Fisheries reopen with rules as described in the 2023/24 Washington State Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Locations opening under permanent rules:

  • Bogachiel River (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the mouth upstream to the Olympic National Park boundary.
  • Calawah River (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the mouth upstream to the Olympic National Park boundary.
  • Calawah River, North Fork (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the mouth upstream.
  • Calawah River, South Fork (Clallam County), from the mouth upstream to the Olympic National Park boundary.
  • Dickey River (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the Olympic National Park boundary upstream.
  • Dickey River, East and West forks (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the mouth upstream.
  • Quillayute River (Clallam County), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers.
  • Sitkum River (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the mouth upstream.
  • Sol Duc River (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the mouth upstream to the Olympic National Park boundary.
  • Thunder Creek (Clallam County), including all tributaries, from the mouth upstream.

Reason for action: Low hatchery rack returns of spring/summer Chinook to the Sol Duc Hatchery prompted a fishing closure July 15. As of Sept. 21, the hatchery has reached approximately 70% of the Chinook broodstock goal. Broodstock collection is now sufficient to allow for fall fishing opportunities listed in the 2023/24 Washington State Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Additional Information: Anglers, please see the 2023/24 Washington State Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current season information and be sure to check for any emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Fishing Rules for waters within Olympic National Park boundaries can be found on the park’s webpage.

Information contact: Region 6, Montesano office, 360-249-4628.

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.