WDFW amends fishing open/closure dates on the Skagit River

June 29, 2017

Actions, Effect Dates, and Areas:

Amends the dates the Skagit River is scheduled to close to all fishing. The Skagit will now close to all fishing July 5 from the mouth to the highway 530 bridge in Rockport.

Opens the Skagit River to fishing July 6 and 7 from the mouth to the highway 530 bridge in Rockport.

Opens the Skagit River to fishing for sockeye salmon July 6 and 7 from the memorial Highway (536) bridge to Gilligan Creek

Reasons for action: The sockeye fishery and other fisheries on the Skagit River are scheduled to close on this date in order to avoid gear conflicts with tribal fisheries scheduled for those dates. This change will also provide anglers with an additional day of fishing.

Other information:

Salmon daily limit: 3 sockeye only. Night closure is in effect. The season may close earlier if the guideline is attained.

The river is closed to all fishing June 29 and 30, and is scheduled to close July 11. However, the July 11 closure may change to reflect catches and river conditions. For updates, anglers should check the emergency rule webpage at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/.

The sockeye fishery at Baker Lake will open on July 8 with a 4-fish daily limit. Please refer to the Baker sockeye webpage located at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/sockeye/baker_river.html for further information on seasons, fishing rule updates and fish counts.

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, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.