April 8, 2025
Action: Returns waters to permanent rules listed in the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. (Closes catch-and-release steelhead fishing in areas previously opened by emergency rule.)
Effective date: April 11, 2025, until further notice.
Species affected: Steelhead.
Locations:
- Skagit River (Skagit Co.), from the Dalles Bridge in the town of Concrete to the Cascade River Rd bridge in Marblemount (Marblemount Bridge).
- Sauk River (Skagit/Snohomish Co.), from the mouth to the Darrington Bridge (Sauk Prairie Road Bridge).
Reason for action: The Skagit River wild Steelhead preseason forecast was 7,019 steelhead. The in-season runsize estimates have continued to trend downward, leading Skagit River comanagers to agree to an in-season runsize update of 5,151 steelhead. The fishery is being closed to protect spawning steelhead, reserve steelhead impacts for spring salmon fisheries and ensure Skagit River Steelhead Resource Management Plan guidelines are met. The total allowable mortality rate will be based on the final estimated terminal runsize which includes the spawning escapement estimate and all fishery related mortalities.
Additional information: The last day open to catch-and-release steelhead fishing will be Thursday, April 10.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.
Information contact: North Puget Sound Region, 425 775-1311