Sockeye fisheries open July 16 on Baker, Skagit rivers

July 14, 2010

Action: Opens sockeye fisheries on the Baker and Skagit rivers.

Effective Dates: 12:01 a.m. July 16, 2010 through 11:59 p.m. July 18, 2010.

Species affected: Sockeye salmon.

Location: Baker River from mouth to Highway 20 bridge; Skagit River from the Dalles Bridge at Concrete to a point 200 feet above the east bank of the Baker River

Reason for action: The run of sockeye in the Baker River is above the number needed for spawning and hatchery egg-take needs. Both State and Tribal fisheries are being opened to harvest available shares.

Other information: Daily limit is two sockeye salmon. Anti-snagging rule and night closure are in effect. Regulations for all other areas of the Skagit River remain in effect as listed in the 2010/2011 Fishing in Washington, sports fishing rules pamphlet. Additional openings are under consideration, including Baker Lake. Additional openings will be announced after coordination with tribal co-managers.

Information contact: Brett Barkdull (360) 466-4345, ext 270 or Steve Thiesfeld, (360) 902-2715

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.