Stillaguamish River reopens to fishing, Cascade River remains closed

January 23, 2014

Action: Reopens the Fortson Hole section of the North Fork Stillaguamish River to fishing.

Effective dates: Jan. 24 through Jan. 31, 2014.

Species affected: All species.

Locations:

The North Fork Stillaguamish River, reopens from the Swede Heaven Bridge downstream approximately 4 river miles to the French Creek confluence.

The Cascade River, a tributary of the Skagit River, remains closed from the Rockport-Cascade Road downstream to the mouth.

Reasons for action: Closures on both rivers were necessary to allow the Whitehorse and Marblemount hatcheries to collect sufficient winter steelhead broodstock to meet egg take needs. The Whitehorse Hatchery has now collected sufficient winter steelhead broodstock to reopen the North Fork Stillaguamish River.

Other information: The Cascade River will remain closed until Feb. 1, when it will be open to fishing through Feb. 15 under the rules described in the Fishing in Washington sport fishing pamphlet.

Information Contact: Jennifer Whitney, Stillaguamish River 425-775-1311 ext. 107. Brett Barkdull, Skagit River 360-466-4345 ext. 270

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.