The Skagit and Sauk Rivers to open to catch and release fishing for Steelhead

January 28, 2019

Action: Opens part of the Skagit and Sauk Rivers to catch and release fishing for gamefish with the following rules:

All gamefish: catch and release only, except up to two hatchery steelhead may be retained.

Selective Gear Rules

Night Closure

Skagit River: fishing is prohibited from a vessel that is under power.

Sauk River: fishing is prohibited from a vessel equipped with an internal combustion motor.

Effective date: February 1 through April 30, 2019.

Species affected: All gamefish.

Locations:

Skagit River, from the Dalles Bridge in the town of Concrete to the Cascade River Road Bridge in Marblemount.

Sauk River, from the mouth to the Darrington Bridge (Sauk Prairie Road Bridge).

Reason for action: The Skagit River Steelhead Fishery Resource Management Plan received formal Federal approval in April 2018 allowing the fishery to proceed.

Additional information: The fishery will be actively monitored and may close earlier if the total encounters agreed to are reached. Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information.

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, 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.