Idaho Fish Report

Action: Extends the hatchery Chinook fishery in a section of the North Fork Nooksack River.

Effective date: July 1, 2021

Species affected: Chinook salmon

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

Rule: Open 7/1/2021 – 7/09/2021: Salmon: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.

• Up to 2 marked Chinook may be retained. Marked Chinook are identified by a clipped adipose fin. 12” minimum size.
• Release all other salmon.
• Night closure and anti-snagging rules in effect.
• Hatchery Chinook are identified by a clipped adipose fin with a healed scar.

Reason for action: Shortly after reopening the sport fishery on June 18, the weather got hot and the river became high and turbid resulting in poor to unfishable fishing conditions.

Additional information: The extension proposal was reviewed and approved by NOAA fisheries. WDFW will continue to carefully monitor and manage this sport fishery to ensure future season opportunities are not jeopardized. Anglers are encouraged to check the emergency rules webpage or the rule change hotline below for in-season management actions.

Anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information.

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