Action: Closes a portion of the lower Skagit River in Skagit County to all fishing June 25 – 26 and June 30 – July 2. Maintains previously announced sockeye seasons aside from temporary closures.
Effective date: Immediately through July 31, 2026
Species affected: All species, sockeye salmon.
Specific locations and rules:
Skagit River from the Hwy. 536 Bridge (Memorial Hwy Bridge) in Mount Vernon to Gilligan Creek:
- Immediately through July 31:
- Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement. Selective gear rules not in effect for salmon.
Skagit River from Gilligan Creek to the Dalles Bridge in Concrete:
- Immediately through June 24:
- Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement. Selective gear rules not in effect for salmon.
- Release Dolly Varden/bull trout.
- June 25 – 26:
- Closed to fishing for all species.
- June 27 – 29:
- Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement. Selective gear rules not in effect for salmon.
- Release Dolly Varden/bull trout.
- June 30 – July 2:
- Closed to fishing for all species.
- July 3 – 31:
- Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night Closure in effect. Two-pole fishing allowed with Two-pole endorsement. Selective gear rules not in effect for salmon.
- Release Dolly Varden/bull trout.
Skagit River from the Dalles Bridge to Baker River:
- June 25 – 26:
- Closed to fishing for all species.
- June 30 – July 2:
- Closed to fishing for all species.
Reason for action: The temporary fishing closures from Gilligan Creek to the Baker River are necessary to avoid gear conflicts during scheduled fisheries by members of tribes with treaty-reserved fishing rights. Refer to WDFW's webpage for information on tribal fishing.
Additional information on tribal fisheries: There will be additional periodic closures to prevent conflicts during tribal fisheries. Interference and harassment of tribal fishers will lead to additional closure times and areas.
The Baker River access area and boat launch will also be closed during tribal fisheries.
Additional information on sport fisheries:
Selective gear rules remain in effect for game fish in areas open for sockeye. Anglers not following selective gear rules must release all species other than sockeye.
The sport fishery is actively monitored by WDFW. Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information. Monitoring and evaluation of fisheries is an important part of ensuring we are meeting our conservation and harvest goals for salmon.
For information on Baker Lake please visit Baker River sockeye salmon season and counts.
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 Washington Sport Fishing Rules for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: North Puget Sound Region, TeamMillCreek@dfw.wa.gov, 425-775-1311.