Skykomish River closes to fishing

February 12, 2003

February 12, 2003

Skykomish River closes to fishing

Actions: The Skykomish River will close to all fishing March 1, 2003. The closure includes the spring (March and April) catch and release season.

Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2003

Species affected: Steelhead and all other game fish.

Location: Skykomish River from its mouth to the mouth of the Wallace River.

Reason for action: The forecast for Snohomish River system wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2002/2003) is 2,500; less than 40 percent of the basin's 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 wild fish.

Information contact: Curt Kraemer, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311 ext. 101

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.