09/28/2016 – John Snyder – Fishing The Skagit
2016 Skagit River Fishing Report:
WDFW Fishing Rule Change
Skagit and Cascade rivers open to coho and gamefish; Sauk River opens for gamefish
Action: Open the Skagit and Cascade rivers to fishing for coho salmon and gamefish. Open the Sauk River to fishing for gamefish.
Species affected: Coho salmon and gamefish.
Effective dates: Sept. 28 through Nov. 30, 2016.
Locations for salmon:
- SKAGIT RIVER: From the mouth to the Cascade River Road (Marblemount) Bridge. Coho daily limit 4, of which no more than 2 may be wild. Bait prohibited. Anti-snagging rule, and night closure in effect.
- CASCADE RIVER: From the mouth to Rockport Cascade Road Bridge. Coho daily limit 4. Anti-snagging rule, and night closure in effect.
Locations for gamefish:
- SKAGIT RIVER: From the mouth to the Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport. Trout, minimum size 14,” daily limit 2. Dolly Varden/Bull trout, minimum size 20.” Other gamefish, statewide rules apply.
- SKAGIT RIVER: From the Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport to Gorge Powerhouse. Catch-and-release, except daily limit 2 hatchery steelhead.
- CASCADE RIVER: From the mouth to Rockport Cascade Road Bridge. Trout, minimum size 14,” daily limit 2. Dolly Varden/Bull trout, minimum size 20.” Other gamefish, statewide rules apply.
- SAUK RIVER: From mouth to White Chuck River. Catch-and-release, except daily limit 2 hatchery steelhead.
- These areas are scheduled to open to fishing for gamefish Dec. 1. Anglers should check the 2016/17 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for regulations effective Dec. 1.
Reasons for action: The Skagit, Cascade and Sauk rivers were originally closed to all fishing under a state and tribal co-manager agreement to protect coho salmon. An in-season co-manager joint test fishery indicated that the coho return is stronger than expected, allowing the co-managers to open fisheries for coho and gamefish.
Other information: Sport anglers should be aware that tribal fisheries also are underway and should avoid interfering with those fisheries.
Information Contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, 425 775-1311.
This concludes our 2016 Skagit River fishing report!