Reopen Cook (Koch) Slough to fishing

October 13, 2011

Action: Reopen the Cook Slough section of the Stillaguamish River to fishing.

Effective dates: Immediately

Species affected: All fish.

Location details: All of the Cook Slough area of the Stillaguamish River that was closed July 18 by emergency fishing regulation is now reopened. This area includes; All of Cook (Koch) Slough (the South channel of the Stillaguamish River/including all waters of the barrier/diversion dam channel). This area began approximately 1/2 mile West of Interstate 5, 350 feet upstream of the barrier/diversion dam and continued approximately 3.5 river miles to the downstream confluence with the Stillaguamish River. It included The North Meander, a side channel that connects the mainstem Stillaguamish (at Hevly Road) with Cook Slough, and the Stillaguamish River, from the downstream confluence with Cook Slough (below the westernmost Silvana RR bridge) to 1000 feet downstream.

Reason for action: Repairs of the in-stream weir and fish ladder on Cook Slough are complete. All exclusion fences have been removed, water flows have been restored, and fish have passage through the fish ladder.

Other Information: Some construction work will continue around the weir for the next few weeks to remove the remainder of the coffer dams and restore the upland area.

Information contacts: Jennifer Whitney, District 13 fish biologist, (425) 775-1311; Annette Hoffmann, Region 4 Fish Program manager, (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.