WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE: North Fork Stillaguamish River Catch-and-Release steelhead fishery to close

FISHING RULE CHANGE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

February 13, 2004

North Fork Stillaguamish River Catch-and-Release steelhead fishery to close

Action: The North Fork Stillaguamish River will close to all fishing March 1, 2004. The closure includes the March through May catch-and-release season.

Effective date: March 1 through May 31, 2004

Species affected: Steelhead and all other game fish.

Location: North Fork Stillaguamish River from its mouth upstream to the Swede Heaven Bridge

Reason for action: The forecast for Stillaguamish River wild winter steelhead returning this winter (2003/2004) is only 35 percent of the spawner escapement goal. Due to the low run size forecast this year every effort is being taken to minimize impacts on the wild run of steelhead. This closure includes catch-and-release fishing because of concerns over potential incidental hooking mortality and disturbance of spawning fish.

Information contact: Chad Jackson, District Fish Biologist, (425) 775-1311, ext. 113

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

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