Action: Closes salmon fisheries. 

Effective date: May 15, 2024, until further notice.

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Location: Skagit River (Skagit County) from the Highway 536 bridge (Memorial Highway Bridge) in Mount Vernon to Gilligan Creek.

Reason for action: Harvestable numbers of hatchery spring Chinook are forecast to return to Marblemount Hatchery.

Additional information: Pre-existing Endangered Species Act (ESA) coverage for the effects of Puget Sound salmon fisheries expires on May 15, 2024. Federal ESA consultations on 2024-25 Puget Sound salmon fisheries are ongoing but are unlikely to be completed by May 15. Skagit River salmon fisheries are known to intercept ESA-listed Chinook in the May period. Accordingly, the river will temporarily close for salmon fishing starting May 15, 2024.

This closure is expected to be short in duration, as federal ESA review of this year’s salmon fisheries is anticipated to be complete within the next several days.

Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700