After delay, Lower Cascade River fall fishing season opener set

September 20, 2022

Action: Opens fisheries as listed in the 2022/23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet beginning Sept. 24, except no bait is allowed.

Location: Cascade River from mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road

Effective date: Sept. 24 through Oct. 31, 2022

Species affected: All species

Rules: Use of bait (including scent or flavoring) is prohibited.

Reason for action: The Cascade River fall opening was postponed, limiting additional impacts against the state's share of allowable Chinook impacts in Skagit basin fisheries. The bait restriction is a means to further limit Chinook impacts while providing angling opportunity for coho and gamefish.

Additional information: Fisheries in this section of the river, beginning Sept. 24 through Oct. 31, will be open four days per week, Wednesdays through Saturdays only. Night closure and anti-snagging rules are in effect. Coho daily limit during this time is 4 fish with a minimum size of 12". Anglers must release all other salmon.

Sundays through Tuesdays are closed to all sport fishing to prevent gear conflicts with tribal fisheries. Anglers are asked to respect tribal fishers and reminded to not interfere with tribal fisheries. Conflicts that arise during ongoing fisheries could lead to additional time and area closures to reduce conflicts.

The Cascade River is running extremely low. Anglers are reminded to refrain from fishing in holes with holding Chinook or runs with spawning Chinook to protect the resource and limit additional impacts.

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. 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.