Upper Skagit River opens to catch and release steelhead fishing five days per week

March 22, 2023

Action:  Opens Catch and Release steelhead fishing.

Effective date:  March 25 through Apr. 30, 2023; Saturdays through Wednesdays.

Species affected:  Steelhead

Location:  Skagit River (Skagit Co.), from the Dalles Bridge in the town of Concrete to the Cascade River Rd. Bridge in Marblemount.

Steelhead rules:  Open Saturdays through Wednesdays only, closed Thursdays and Fridays.  Fishing for all other species remains closed 7 days per week.

  • Catch and release, except up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Wild steelhead must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
  • Selective Gear Rules (SGR) in effect. Night Closure in effect.
  • Fishing is prohibited from a vessel that is under power.

 Reason for action:  The Skagit River Steelhead preseason forecast is 5,211 steelhead. In accordance with the Skagit steelhead Resource Management Plan, the steelhead return is sufficient to safely provide some catch and release opportunity. The two day per week closure is a conservation measure to provide steelhead some daylight hours without fishing effort for spawning activities.

Additional information:  This fishery will be monitored by WDFW to estimate impacts to Skagit winter steelhead as well as all incidental catch of other fish species. Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information.

Information contact:  Mill Creek Regional 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. 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, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.