Skykomish and Wallace rivers reopen to fishing

January 14, 2019

Action: Reopens the Skykomish and Wallace rivers to fishing as described in the 2018-2019 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

The Wallace River will also be open from 200 feet downstream to 200 feet upstream of the salmon hatchery water intake with the following rules through Feb. 15:

Gamefish open: Dolly varden/bull trout; min. size 20 inches, may be retained as part of trout daily limit. Other trout; min. size 8 inches except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout min. size 14 inches. Trout daily limit: 2. Other gamefish; statewide min. size/daily limit. Fishing from a floating device prohibited.

Effective date: Immediately through Feb. 15, 2019.

Species affected: All species.

Location:

Skykomish River, from the mouth to the forks

Wallace River, from the mouth to 200 feet above the hatchery water intake.

Reason for action: The Wallace River and Reiter Ponds hatcheries have now collected enough early winter steelhead broodstock to meet egg take goals. The early winter steelhead release goals are 140,000 smolt from Reiter Ponds and 27,600 smolt from the Wallace Hatchery.

Additional information: Wallace River Hatchery grounds are closed dusk through 7 a.m. daily.

Information contact: Jennifer Whitney, District 13 fish biologist, (425) 775-1311 (ext. 107).

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.