Snohomish system updates, many areas open or extended for salmon and gamefish on Nov. 1

October 31, 2023

Action: Opens or extends salmon seasons in Skykomish, Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Wallace rivers. Returns gamefish seasons to permanent rules listed in the 2023/24 Washington Sportfishing Rules pamphlet in all areas of the Snohomish watershed.

Species affected: All species.

Locations, dates, and rules:

Raging River:

  • Effective Nov. 1, 2023: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.

Skykomish River from mouth to confluence of North and South forks:

  • Effective immediately: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.
  • Oct. 31, 2023: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect. Barbless hooks required.
  • Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2023: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect. Single point barbless hooks required.

Skykomish River North Fork:

  • Effective Nov. 1, 2023: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.

Skykomish River south fork:

  • Effective Nov. 1, 2023: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.

Snohomish River from the mouth to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers:

  • Effective immediately: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.
  • Oct. 31, 2023: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is four (4) including no more than two (2) coho. Release Chinook and chum. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect. Single point barbless hooks required.
  • Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2023: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect. Single point barbless hooks required.

Snoqualmie River from mouth to Snoqualmie Falls:

  • Effective Nov. 1, 2023: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.
  • Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2023: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect. Selective gear rules in effect.

Sultan River:

  • Effective Nov. 1, 2023: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.

Tolt River:

  • Effective Nov. 1, 2023: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.

Wallace River from mouth to 200’ upstream of the water intake of the salmon hatchery:

  • Effective Immediately: Gamefish open under rules listed in rules pamphlet.
  • Oct. 31 through Nov. 30, 2023: Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is four (4). Release Chinook and chum. Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.

Reason for action: In-season observations indicate coho salmon returns are sufficient to increase the salmon daily limit. The abundance of wild coho is greater than the preseason forecast.

Additional information: Please see the 2023/24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for rules for other species or areas. Anglers are encouraged to check for emergency rule changes prior to fishing. Consider downloading the Fish Washington mobile app or signing up for fishery changes at email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates.

Information contact: Region 4 Mill Creek Office, 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.