Snohomish system closure update

July 31, 2023

Updated Aug. 10, 2023, season openings have been announced for the Snohomish River. For Snohomish River mainstem fishery updates please see the Fishing Rule Change for Snohomish River.

Updated Oct. 11, 2023, season openings have been announced for the Wallace River. For Wallace River fishery updates please see the Fishing Rule Change for Wallace River.

Updated Oct. 20, 2023, season openings have been announced for the Skykomish River. For Skykomish River fishery updates please see the Fishing Rule Change for Skykomish River. 

Action: Closes all fishing upstream of Highway US2 Bridge for the Skykomish River. Maintains previously announced Snohomish system closures.

Species affected: All species.

Effective dates and locations:

  • Currently closed to fishing for food fish or gamefish, until further notice:
    • Snoqualmie River, from mouth to Snoqualmie Falls;
    • Skykomish River, North Fork;
    • Skykomish River, South Fork, from mouth upstream;
    • Cherry Creek;
    • Raging River;
    • Sultan River;
    • Tolt River, from mouth to confluence of North and South Forks.

Reason for action: Chinook presence has been observed in the Skykomish River in the area near Reiter ponds. Due to limited allowable take of wild Chinook in the Snohomish system, strict controls are needed to conserve Chinook impacts for pink and coho fisheries later this fall.

Additional information: The Snohomish wild Chinook population saw a record low return of 1,023 in 2019—the year when dominant age class four-year old Chinook returning in 2023 would have been hatched—there is now significant concern for a poor return of wild Chinook to the Snohomish and its tributaries this year. For additional information, go to the WDFW blog.

Information contact: Team Mill Creek, 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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.