Nooksack River to close to fishing

February 12, 2010

Action: Close the Nooksack River and all forks to fishing.

Effective closure dates: Feb 18 through June 4, 2010.

Species affected: All game fish species.

Locations:
Nooksack River from the mouth to the confluence of the North and South Forks.

North Fork Nooksack from the mouth to Nooksack Falls.

South Fork Nooksack from the mouth to Skookum Creek.

Middle Fork Nooksack from the mouth to headwaters.

Reasons for action: The closure will reduce incidental hooking mortality on wild steelhead. The Nooksack River basin wild steelhead returns have been trending downward and is thought to be well below escapement goals.

Other information: These rivers will reopen to fishing on June 5, 2010, as will be listed in the 2010/2012 FISHING IN WASHINGTON sport fishing rules pamphlet.

Information Contact:
Brett Barkdull, District 14 Fish Biologist, 360-466-4345 x 270, Brett.Barkdull@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.