Selective gear rules in effect in Reiter Ponds area of Skykomish River

June 17, 2024

Action: Selective gear rules in effect in the Reiter Ponds area. Maintains closure to all fishing in Skykomish River downstream of Highway 2 Bridge.

Species affected: All species.

Effective dates: Immediately, until further notice.

Specific dates, locations, and rules:  

Skykomish River from the mouth to Highway 2 Bridge: 

  • Immediately, until further notice: Closed to all fishing.

Skykomish River from Highway 2 Bridge to 1,000 feet downstream of Reiter Ponds outlet:

  • Immediately, through July 10, 2024:
    • All species: Night closure and anti-snagging rule in effect. Selective gear rules in effect.
    • Dolly varden/bull trout: Minimum size is 20 inches. May be retained as part of trout daily limit.
    • Other trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size is 14 inches.
    • Other gamefish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
  • July 11, 2024, until further notice: Closed to all fishing.

Skykomish River from 1,000 feet downstream of Reiter Ponds outlet to 1,500 feet upstream of Reiter Ponds outlet:

  • Immediately, through July 10, 2024:
    • All species: Night closure and anti-snagging rule in effect. Selective gear rules in effect. Fishing from any floating device prohibited.
    • Dolly varden/bull trout: Minimum size is 20 inches. May be retained as part of trout daily limit.
    • Other trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size is 14 inches.
    • Other gamefish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
  • July 11, 2024, until further notice: Closed to all fishing.

Skykomish River from 1,500 feet upstream of Reiter Ponds outlet to confluence of North and South forks:

  • Immediately, through July 10, 2024:
    • All species: Night closure and anti-snagging rule in effect. Selective gear rules in effect.
    • Dolly varden/bull trout: Minimum size is 20 inches. May be retained as part of trout daily limit.
    • Other trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size is 14 inches.
    • Other gamefish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
  • July 11, 2024, until further notice: Closed to all fishing.

This emergency rule overrides rules published in the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet until further notice.

Reason for action: Limited allowable take of wild Chinook in the Snohomish system necessitates strict controls to conserve impacts for Fall in-river fisheries.

Additional information: Much of the Snohomish Basin is closed until further notice.  See additional Snohomish Basin closures Fishing Rule Change and May Creek Fishing Rule Change. More information regarding Snohomish Basin wild Chinook conservation and recovery efforts can be found in this Snohomish Basin salmon and steelhead WDFW blog post. Anglers can be notified of all fishing rule changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW rule change emails at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact: Region 4 (Mill Creek 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.