Steelhead fishing opens, selective gear rules end on Stillaguamish, North Fork Stillaguamish rivers

December 21, 2015

December 21, 2015

Remove selective gear rules and allow the retention of hatchery steelhead on Stillaguamish River and North Fork Stillaguamish River

Action: Allow anglers to retain hatchery steelhead and remove selective gear requirements.

Effective Date: Dec. 23, 2015 to Feb 15, 2016

Species affected: Steelhead

Locations: Stillaguamish River from Marine Drive upstream to the forks; and the North Fork Stillaguamish from the mouth to Swede Heaven Bridge.

Reason for action: Egg take goals for early winter steelhead have been met at the Whitehorse Hatchery.

Additional Information: This action removes restrictions put in place in the December 2, 2015 Fishing Rule Change. Rules for the Stillaguamish are as specified in the 2015-16 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. This year’s hatchery return of Stillaguamish early winter steelhead is forecast to be 22 percent of average for recent years.

Information contacts: Mill Creek Regional 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.