February 13, 2004
Action: The Skykomish River will close to all fishing March 1, 2004. The closure includes the spring (March and April) catch-and-release season.
Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2004
Species affected: Steelhead and all other game fish.
Location: Skykomish River from its mouth (Burlington Northern Railroad Bridges near Hwy. 529) to the Sultan River.
Reason for action: The forecast for Snohomish River system wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2003/2004) is 2,263; which is only 35 percent of the basins winter steelhead spawning escapement goal of 6,500. Due to the low run size forecast this year every effort is being taken to minimize impacts on the wild run of steelhead. This closure includes catch-and-release fishing because of concerns over potential incidental hooking mortality and disturbance of spawning fish.
Information contact: Chad Jackson, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311, ext. 113
Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2004
Species affected: Steelhead and all other game fish.
Location: Skykomish River from its mouth (Burlington Northern Railroad Bridges near Hwy. 529) to the Sultan River.
Reason for action: The forecast for Snohomish River system wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2003/2004) is 2,263; which is only 35 percent of the basins winter steelhead spawning escapement goal of 6,500. Due to the low run size forecast this year every effort is being taken to minimize impacts on the wild run of steelhead. This closure includes catch-and-release fishing because of concerns over potential incidental hooking mortality and disturbance of spawning fish.
Information contact: Chad Jackson, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311, ext. 113