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Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oct. 24, 2025 |
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Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers fishing update
Action: Immediately returns all gamefish, sturgeon, and salmon seasons to permanent rules listed in 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules for Snohomish River; Skykomish River, up to the boat ramp below Lewis Street; and Wallace River. The Skykomish River upstream of the boat ramp below Lewis Street Bridge remains closed to recreational fishing through Oct. 31 and returns to permanent rules Nov. 1.
Effective date: Immediately until further notice.
Species affected: All species.
Locations and effective dates:
- Snohomish River:
- From mouth (Burlington-Northern railroad bridges) (including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways, excluding all tributaries) to confluence of Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers return to permanent rules immediately.
- Skykomish River:
- From the mouth to the boat ramp below the Lewis Street Bridge returns to permanent rules immediately.
- From the boat ramp below the Lewis Street Bridge to the Railroad Bridge at Big Eddy:
- Immediately through Oct. 31: All species closed.
- Nov. 1, until further notice: Returns to permanent rules.
- From Railroad Bridge at Big Eddy to confluence of North and South forks is closed by permanent rule and opens Nov. 1 under permanent rules.
- Wallace River:
- From mouth to 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery returns to permanent rules immediately.
- From 200 feet upstream of the water intake of salmon hatchery to Wallace Falls is closed by permanent rule and opens Nov. 1 under permanent rules.
Reason for action: Areas of the Snohomish drainage system were previously closed because encounters with Chinook early in the recreational fishery exceeded management agreements. Gamefish seasons and most salmon seasons are now able to resume because Chinook spawning activity has concluded in most areas and is expected to be done in all areas by Nov. 1.
Additional information: 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.
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Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.
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