WDFW rescinds selective gear rules on the Skagit River

June 9, 2017

Action: Rescinds the selective gear requirement scheduled to be in place during the first five days (June 11-15) of the Skagit River sockeye fishery. Bait may be used throughout the sockeye fishery scheduled June 11 through July 15.

Effective dates: June 11 through June 15, 2017.

Species affected: Sockeye salmon.

Location: SKAGIT RIVER (Skagit County) from Hwy. 536 at Mt. Vernon (Memorial Hwy. Bridge) to the mouth of Gilligan Creek.

Daily limit: 3 sockeye salmon only.

Reasons for action: Under permanent rule, the selective gear requirement is in place until June 16, when it is lifted for the season. This action is required to provide consistency in gear rules for the duration of the sockeye fishery.

Other information: Night closure is in effect. Bait may be used. The season may close earlier if the guideline is attained.

The sockeye fishery, along with other fisheries on the Skagit River, are tentatively scheduled to close June 28, 29, July 6, 7, and 11 to avoid gear conflicts with tribal fisheries scheduled those dates. Those dates may change as catches and river conditions change. 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.