Snohomish River Fishing Restrictions Extended
The stretch of the Snohomish River located above the railroad bridge southeast of Snohomish will remain closed to anglers until November 2. The restriction is a result of reduced capacity for fisheries monitoring following recent reductions in state funding.
The closure applies to the waterway up to the point where the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers meet. Conversely, the area downstream of the railroad bridge, extending above the Lincoln Avenue boat launch, is scheduled to open on September 26 in accordance with Washington Sport Fishing Rules.
Monitoring activities are mandated by federal statutes and state-tribal co-management agreements to mitigate the impact on Chinook salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act, which are currently migrating upstream to spawn. During the current legislative biennium, the state reduced funding for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, impacting programs related to Puget Sound salmon and steelhead monitoring.
Chinook salmon spawning generally occurs throughout September and October. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife anticipates opening additional sections of the Snohomish and other North Sound rivers later in the fall, following the completion of the spawning season.
Further details are available at bit.ly/4ho8bTo.