North Fork Nooksack River hatchery spring Chinook fishery closes June 9

Action: Returns North Fork Nooksack River to permanent rules listed in the  2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules, closing hatchery spring Chinook fishing and retention.

Effective dates: June 9, 2026, until further notice.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

Location: North Fork Nooksack River from the Highway 9 Bridge to the yellow marker at the upstream side of the Kendall Creek Hatchery property. 

Reason for action: Catch survey data indicates the maximum allowable encounters of wild Chinook has been reached.

Additional information: The North Fork Nooksack River below Maple Creek is closed to fishing for all species until Oct. 1, 2026 under the permanent rules listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules.

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.