Action: Skykomish River closed to all fishing until Nov. 1.
Species affected: All species.
Effective dates: Immediately – Oct. 31, 2026.
Location: Skykomish River, from the mouth to the confluence of North and South forks.
Reason for action: Skykomish River fishing season openings are delayed until Nov. 1 to protect returning wild Chinook salmon. The pre-season forecasted return for the Skykomish River system wild Chinook is very low. Protection measures including closing salmon and game fish fisheries are necessary to assist in wild Chinook conservation and recovery during critical migration and spawning periods.
Additional information: This emergency Fishing Rule Change overrides salmon, steelhead, and game fish seasons listed in the 2025-2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules, including previously planned fisheries for Chinook returning to the Wallace River Hatchery and steelhead returning to the Reiter Ponds Hatchery. Refer to WDFW's blog post for more information on this fishing closure and conservation measures to protect natural origin Chinook in the Snohomish Basin.
This closure was discussed with anglers, guides, recreational fishing advisors, and co-manager tribes during the 2026 North of Falcon season-setting process and shared through the WDFW website. Refer to WDFW's The Salmon Fishing Current blog: North of Falcon 2026 edition for more background.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: North Puget Sound Region, 425-775-1311, TeamMillCreek@dfw.wa.gov.