Action: Opens a section of the North Fork Nooksack River to hatchery spring Chinook fishing and retention. 

Effective date: Immediately, through June 30, 2022

Species affected: Hatchery spring Chinook

Location: Nooksack River, North Fork (Whatcom Co.); from the Hwy. 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of the Kendall Hatchery. CRC (790)

Rule: Daily limit 2 hatchery Chinook, min. size 12”. Release all other salmon. Night closure and anti-snagging rules in effect. 

Reason for action: The hatchery spring Chinook forecast was sufficient to allow in-river harvest opportunity, and current catch is within conservation guidelines.

Additional information: River conditions have been poor for sport fishing a majority of the time since the fishery opened and current catch is well within guidelines, making the extension possible. 

The fishery will continue to be monitored and may close earlier than scheduled if the total encounters agreed to are reached or extended if maximum encounters are not likely to be exceeded. 

Thank you to the anglers who have participated in this fishery for their cooperation with creel personnel collecting catch information. Monitoring and evaluation is an important part of ensuring fisheries meet conservation goals for salmon.

Information contact: Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311