Fishing to close Dec. 1 on a portion of the North Fork Nooksack River

November 13, 2009

November 13, 2009


Closure of the North Fork Nooksack River to fishing


Action: A portion of the North Fork Nooksack River will be closed to fishing.

Effective dates: Dec. 1, 2009 until further notice.

Species affected: All gamefish.

Location: The North Fork Nooksack River from the yellow post located at the upstream most corner of the hatchery grounds, approximately 1,000 feet upstream of the mouth of Kendall Creek, downstream to the Mosquito Lake Road Bridge.

Reasons for action: The Kendall Creek Hatchery in recent years has been unable to secure sufficient eggs from returning hatchery winter steelhead to meet basin production goals. Closure of the fishery, similar to last year, is needed to collect sufficient fish to meet egg take needs. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, in support of Hatchery Scientific Review Group recommendations, intends to use locally adapted broodstock to support the Nooksack River winter steelhead hatchery program rather than importing eggs from outside sources.

Other information: When broodstock needs are met, the fishery will reopen as listed in the Sport fishing Rules 2009/2010 pamphlet edition, FISHING IN WASHINGTON

Information Contact: Brett Barkdull, 360-466-4345 ext. 270
barkdbcb@dfw.wa.gov

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.