Snohomish, Skykomish & Wallace Open For Coho

Snohomish, Skykomish and Wallace rivers to open for coho salmon fishing

Action: Opens the Snohomish River, the Skykomish River downstream of the Wallace River, and the Wallace River to the fishing for coho salmon through Oct. 31.

Effective dates and times: Open to coho fishing Oct. 11 through Oct. 31. Night closure in effect (fishing is open from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset).

Species affected: Coho salmon.

Locations: Snohomish River (Snohomish County) from the mouth (Burlington-Northern Railroad bridges), including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways, but excluding all tributaries, upstream to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers.

Skykomish River from mouth upstream to the confluence with the Wallace River.

Wallace River from mouth (farthest downstream railroad bridge) to 200 feet upstream of the hatchery water intake.

Rules:

Night closure.

Anti-snagging rules apply.

Salmon, minimum size 12 inches, daily limit 2 coho only.

All species other than coho must be released. Catch and release of Sturgeon is allowed; when fishing for Sturgeon, all other Sturgeon Rules apply ? see page 14 of the Fishing in Washington Sport Fishing Pamphlet.

Reason for action: The rivers were originally closed to all fishing under a state and tribal co-manager agreement to protect coho salmon. The co-managers agree that the coho return is strong enough to support limited sport and tribal fisheries. The co-managers will continue to monitor this fishery and may make adjustments in the coming weeks.

Additional Information: The Skykomish River from the Gold Bar/Big Eddy access (Hwy. 2 Bridge) to the confluence of the North and South Forks remains open to fishing for trout (steelhead) and gamefish as described in a Sept. 28 Emergency Regulation.

Information contact: Region 4, Mill Creek Office, (425) 775-1311, ext. 0.