Nooksack River To Close For Chum Salmon Retention

Nooksack River to close for chum retention

Action: Close the mainstem Nooksack River to chum retention.

Species affected:  Chum

Location: The Nooksack River from the Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to the confluence of the North and South Forks.

Effective dates: Dec. 3 through Dec. 31, 2017

Reasons for action:  Chum returns to the Nooksack River and to Kendall Hatchery are not meeting escapement goals. The closure is necessary to ensure natural escapement and hatchery broodstock goals are met.

Other information: In order to achieve our shared conservation goals, the Nooksack Tribe and Lummi Nation are closing their chum fisheries on the Nooksack River as well. The North Fork Nooksack closes effective Dec. 1 to chum retention per permanent rules. Gamefish fisheries will remain open as listed in the Sport Fishing Rules 2017/2018 pamphlet edition, FISHING IN WASHINGTON

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office (425) 775-1311.