Portions of Snohomish River system to close to fishing

February 12, 2010

Action: Close the Snohomish River, lower sections of the Skykomish, and Snoqualmie rivers and some tributaries to fishing.

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

Species affected: All game fish species.

Closure locations:
1) The Snohomish River from the mouth (Burlington-Northern railroad bridges) to the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways.

2) The Snoqualmie River from the mouth to the boat launch at Plum Landing (~1/4 mile below Tokul Creek).

3) The Skykomish River from the mouth to the forks .

4) The North Fork of the Skykomish from the mouth to Deer Falls (about ΒΌ mile upstream of Goblin Creek).

5) The South Fork of the Skykomish from the mouth to the Sunset Falls Fishway.

6) The Pilchuck River from the mouth to the Snohomish city diversion dam.

7) The Sultan River from the mouth to the diversion dam at river mile 9.7.

8) The Tolt River from the mouth to the confluence of the North and South Fork.

9) The Raging River from the mouth to the Highway 18 Bridge.

Reason for action: To reduce incidental mortality of wild steelhead. The 2009-2010 forecast of wild steelhead returning to the Snohomish River is well below the escapement goal of 6,500 steelhead. This action will reduce the incidental hooking mortalities of wild steelhead.

Additional information: The Wallace River, Tokul Creek, and the Snoqualmie River above the boat ramp at Plum Landing will remain open until Feb 28, 2010 as listed in 2009/2010 Fishing in Washington Sport Rules Pamphlet.
Information contacts: Jennifer Whitney, District 13 fish biologist, (425) 775-1311; Annette Hoffmann, Region 4 Fish Program manager, (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.