October 12, 2023
Skagit River coho fishery and temporary closure updates
Action: Allows wild coho retention and extends coho season. Extends temporary closure for half a day and adds additional closure days.
Species affected: Coho and all other species.
Locations, dates, and rules:
Skagit River (Skagit County) from mouth to Highway 9 Bridge in Sedro-Woolley:
- Oct. 13 through Nov. 30: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure in effect.
Skagit River (Skagit County) from Highway 9 Bridge in Sedro-Woolley to the mouth of the Baker River:
- Immediately until 12 p.m. (Noon), Oct. 13: Closed waters.
- 12 p.m. (Noon), Oct. 13 through Oct 17: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure in effect.
- Oct. 18 through 12 p.m. (Noon), Oct. 20: Closed waters.
- 12 p.m. (Noon), Oct. 20 through Nov. 30: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure in effect.
Skagit River (Skagit County) from the mouth of the Baker River to the Cascade River Road Bridge (Marblemount Bridge):
- Oct. 13 through Nov. 30: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure in effect.
Reason for action: Management actions occurred in the Skagit River and pre-terminal areas (Puget Sound marine) to ensure conservation and management objectives were met for Skagit coho and other limiting stocks. At this point in the return there are enough harvestable wild coho remaining to allow wild retention and provide additional opportunity.
The temporary closures from Highway 9 to Baker River are extended to avoid gear conflicts during scheduled treaty fisheries.
Additional information: Anglers are asked to respect tribal fishers and reminded not to interfere with tribal fisheries. There may be future periodic closures to prevent conflicts during scheduled tribal fisheries.
In-season closures or other management actions will be announced as soon as possible. In-season closures or other management actions will be announced as soon as possible. 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. Consider downloading the Fish Washington mobile app or signing up for fishery changes at email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates.
The fishery will continue to be closely monitored by WDFW to ensure harvest stays within conservation guidelines. Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information. Monitoring and evaluation of fisheries is an important part of ensuring we are meeting our conservation goals for salmon.
Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, 425-775-1311.