Sockeye fisheries open July 16 on Baker, Skagit rivers

July 14, 2010

Action: Opens sockeye fisheries on the Baker and Skagit rivers.

Effective Dates: 12:01 a.m. July 16, 2010 through 11:59 p.m. July 18, 2010.

Species affected: Sockeye salmon.

Location: Baker River from mouth to Highway 20 bridge; Skagit River from the Dalles Bridge at Concrete to a point 200 feet above the east bank of the Baker River

Reason for action: The run of sockeye in the Baker River is above the number needed for spawning and hatchery egg-take needs. Both State and Tribal fisheries are being opened to harvest available shares.

Other information: Daily limit is two sockeye salmon. Anti-snagging rule and night closure are in effect. Regulations for all other areas of the Skagit River remain in effect as listed in the 2010/2011 Fishing in Washington, sports fishing rules pamphlet. Additional openings are under consideration, including Baker Lake. Additional openings will be announced after coordination with tribal co-managers.

Information contact: Brett Barkdull (360) 466-4345, ext 270 or Steve Thiesfeld, (360) 902-2715

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.