February 16, 2005
February, 15, 2005
North Fork Stillaguamish River
catch-and-release steelhead fishery to close
Action: The North Fork Stillaguamish River will close to all fishing March 1, 2005.
Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2005
Species affected: Steelhead and all other game fish.
Location: North Fork Stillaguamish River from its mouth to Swede Heaven Bridge.
Reason for action: The forecast for Stillaguamish River system wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2004/2005) is only 44 percent of the wild spawner escapement goal of 1,800. Due to the low run size forecast this year every effort is being taken to minimize impacts on the wild run of steelhead. The closure of the spring season will prevent incidental hooking mortality and disturbance of spawning fish.
Additional Information: In order for a catch-and-release wild winter steelhead fishery to occur, the forecast must be at least 80% of the escapement goal or 1,440 fish. The spring fishery for hatchery steelhead is also being closed because the forecasted wild run is only 44 percent of escapement needs and by the end of February most hatchery fish have either been harvested or spawned.
Information contact: Chad Jackson, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311, ext. 113
North Fork Stillaguamish River
catch-and-release steelhead fishery to close
Action: The North Fork Stillaguamish River will close to all fishing March 1, 2005.
Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2005
Species affected: Steelhead and all other game fish.
Location: North Fork Stillaguamish River from its mouth to Swede Heaven Bridge.
Reason for action: The forecast for Stillaguamish River system wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2004/2005) is only 44 percent of the wild spawner escapement goal of 1,800. Due to the low run size forecast this year every effort is being taken to minimize impacts on the wild run of steelhead. The closure of the spring season will prevent incidental hooking mortality and disturbance of spawning fish.
Additional Information: In order for a catch-and-release wild winter steelhead fishery to occur, the forecast must be at least 80% of the escapement goal or 1,440 fish. The spring fishery for hatchery steelhead is also being closed because the forecasted wild run is only 44 percent of escapement needs and by the end of February most hatchery fish have either been harvested or spawned.
Information contact: Chad Jackson, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311, ext. 113