Skykomish River re-opens to fishing June 1

May 25, 2010

Action: Re-opens fishing on various sections of the Skykomish River previously closed by emergency rule.

Effective date: June 1, 2010.

Species affected: Salmon and all game fish species.

Locations to reopen:

1) The Skykomish River from the mouth to 1,000 feet downstream of the Reiter Ponds.

2) The Skykomish from 1,500 feet upstream of Reiter Ponds outlet to confluence of North and South forks.

Additional information: Anglers will be allowed to fish for hatchery chinook salmon from the mouth of the river to the Wallace River from June 1 through July 31, as stated in the 2010/2011 Fishing in Washington sportfishing rules pamphlet. For all rules and regulations on the Skykomish River, anglers should check the 2010-2011 rules pamphlet.

Reason for action: The previous closure, which was designed to protect wild winter steelhead, is no longer necessary because most of those fish have spawned and moved out of the watershed.

Information contacts: Jennifer Whitney, District 13 fish biologist, (425) 775-1311; Annette Hoffmann, Region 4 Fish Program manager, (425) 775-1311.

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.