Stillaguamish River system will close to fishing early

January 25, 2011

Action: Close the Stillaguamish River system to fishing.

Species affected: All game fish.

Locations and effective dates:

- Stillaguamish River: From Marine Drive upstream to forks will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

- Pilchuck Creek: From mouth to Highway 9 bridge will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

- North Fork Stillaguamish River: From mouth to mouth of French Creek will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

- North Fork Stillaguamish River: From mouth of French Creek to Swede Heaven Bridge will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 16, 2011.

- South Fork Stillaguamish River: From mouth to 400 feet below Granite Falls fishway outlet will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

- Canyon Creek: From mouth upstream will be closed to all fishing Feb. 1, 2011.

Reasons for action: The 2010-2011 forecast of wild steelhead returning to the Stillaguamish River system is well below the spawning goal. These closures will reduce the incidental hooking mortalities of wild steelhead. Puget Sound wild steelhead populations are listed as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act.

Other information: Rules re-opening fisheries in the Stillaguamish River basin will be listed in the 2011/2012 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet.

Information Contact: Annette Hoffmann, Region 4 Fish Program Manager, (425) 775-1311, Annette.Hoffmann@dfw.wa.gov

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.