Snohomish, Skykomish, Snoqualmie rivers to open for coho fishing

OLYMPIA – With returns coming in above expectations, anglers will have a chance to fish for coho salmon on the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie rivers beginning Saturday, Oct. 29.

Concerns over continued low returns in recent years have restricted late-fall salmon fisheries in the Snohomish River system, but in-season updates so far indicate that enough coho salmon are returning to these rivers in 2022 to support a limited recreational fishery.

“It’s heartening to see the fish returning to the Snohomish in larger numbers than expected,” said Edward Eleazer, North Puget Sound Fish Program manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “We’ll continue monitoring the fishery to make sure we’re hitting our conservation goals while offering this  opportunity.”

The Snohomish River will be open from the mouth to the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers. The Skykomish River will be open from the mouth to the confluence of the north and south forks. The Snoqualmie River will be open from the mouth to Snoqualmie Falls.

The fishery is expected to remain open through Nov. 6, 2022, with anglers able to retain up to two coho salmon with a minimum size of 12 inches. Anglers must release all salmon other than coho. WDFW will continue to monitor returns and catch rates to ensure conservation objectives are met.

Anglers are encouraged to check the 2022-23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for all permanent regulations, and keep an eye on the emergency fishing rules page for possible changes to these and other fisheries across the state.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.