2011-01-26

Close the Stillaguamish River system to fishing.


WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

http://wdfw.wa.gov

January 25, 2011

Stillaguamish River system will close to fishing early
Action: Close the Stillaguamish River system to fishing.
Species affected: All game fish.
Locations and effective dates:
Stillaguamish River: From Marine Drive upstream to forks will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

Pilchuck Creek: From mouth to Highway 9 bridge will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

North Fork Stillaguamish River: From mouth to mouth of French Creek will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

North Fork Stillaguamish River: From mouth of French Creek to Swede Heaven Bridge will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 16, 2011.

South Fork Stillaguamish River: From mouth to 400 feet below Granite Falls fishway outlet will be closed to all fishing on Feb. 1, 2011.

Canyon Creek: From mouth upstream will be closed to all fishing Feb. 1, 2011.

Reasons for action: The 2010-2011 forecast of wild steelhead returning to the Stillaguamish River system is well below the spawning goal. These closures will reduce the incidental hooking mortalities of wild steelhead. Puget Sound wild steelhead populations are listed as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act.

Other information: Rules re-opening fisheries in the Stillaguamish River basin will be listed in the 2011/2012 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet.

Information Contact: Annette Hoffmann, Region 4 Fish Program Manager, (425) 775-1311, Annette.Hoffmann@dfw.wa.gov