October 11, 2024
Action: Extends Skagit River coho fishery through Dec. 31. Sets temporary closure for all fishing from Gilligan Creek to the Baker River.
Location: Skagit River (Skagit County) from the mouth to Cascade River Road (Marblemount Bridge). Catch Record Code: 830
Effective dates: Immediately through Dec. 31, 2024.
Species affected: All species.
Specific dates, locations, and rules:
From mouth to Gilligan Creek:
- Immediately through Dec. 31: Salmon daily limit two coho. Minimum size 12 inches. Release all salmon other than coho. Night Closure.
From Gilligan Creek to Baker River:
- Immediately through Oct. 12: Salmon daily limit two coho. Minimum size 12 inches. Release all salmon other than coho. Night Closure.
- Oct. 13 until 12 p.m. (noon) Oct. 14: All species CLOSED.
- 12 p.m. (noon) Oct. 14 through Dec. 31: Salmon daily limit two coho. Minimum size 12 inches. Release all salmon other than coho. Night Closure.
Baker River to Cascade River Road (Marblemount Bridge):
- Immediately through Dec. 31: Salmon daily limit two coho. Minimum size 12 inches. Release all salmon other than coho. Night Closure.
Reason for action: The Skagit River coho return is greater than forecast and allows for the recreational coho season to extend through Dec. 31. The extended opportunity only applies to coho salmon. All other salmon species must be released.
The section from Gilligan Creek to Baker River will temporarily close to all fishing to avoid gear conflicts during scheduled treaty fisheries.
Additional information: Anglers are reminded to avoid fishing in areas with staged or spawning chum, or late returning Chinook, to reduce incidental catches and reduce stress on spawners. 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.
Please respect tribal fishers and do not interfere with tribal fisheries. Conflicts that arise during ongoing fisheries may lead to additional time and area closures, including losing the Highway 9 to Gilligan Creek area during future conflict closures.
Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, 425-775-1311