Well if you didn't know it until now, ALL NOOKSACK STEELHEAD FISHING HAS BEEN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE yet tribal netting can continue to catch as they wish until the 9th.....

December 3, 2015

Fishing to close on parts of Nooksack River; release all steelhead on main stem, South Fork, Whatcom Creek.

Action: Close the North and Middle forks of the Nooksack River to all fishing, and close the main stem Nooksack River, the South Fork and Whatcom Creek to hatchery steelhead retention.

Effective dates: Dec. 5, 2015 until further notice.

Species affected: Steelhead and other game fish

Locations and Specific actions: The main stem Nooksack River from Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to the confluence of the North and South Forks: Hatchery steelhead release required. The South Fork Nooksack from mouth to Skookum Creek: Hatchery steelhead release required. Whatcom Creek from mouth to yellow markers below foot bridge below Dupont Street: Hatchery steelhead release required. The Middle Fork Nooksack from mouth to city of Bellingham diversion dam: Closed to all fishing. The North Fork from mouth to Nooksack Falls: Closed to all fishing.

Reasons for action: The Kendall Creek Hatchery and Whatcom Creek Hatchery programs did not release hatchery steelhead smolts in 2014 and thus are relying on fish returning from the 2013 release. Retention restrictions are needed to collect sufficient fish to meet egg take needs.

Other information: Salmon fisheries in the mainstem Nooksack, South Fork Nooksack, and Whatcom Creek remain open. When the broodstock needs of Kendall Creek Hatchery are met, the fishery will be reopened and revert to seasons as listed in the 2015/2016 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Was speaking to Dave at Dave's sports in Lynden.... Everyone that fishes the North fork of the Nooksack should be aware of a proposed change to the fishing on the north fork!

WDFW plans on CLOSING THE RIVER AS FOLLOWS:

# 34. North Fork Nooksack River (Whatcom Co.): Close a portion of this stream

Rules Category
Puget Sound

Type of Rule Change Proposal
Conservation

Short Description
Currently this area falls within the section of the North Fork Nooksack that lies from the mouth up to Maple Creek. We propose a subsection of this stretch that runs from the North Fork of the Nooksack River (all sloughs and side channels) from a true east-west line running through a white monument marking the mouth of Kendall Creek downstream 1,500 feet. We propose that this area be closed year-round to all fishing.

Explanation
This proposal is a result of the ever-changing nature of this stretch of the Nooksack River. This proposal will clarify the mouth of Kendall Creek, avoiding public confusion with shifting river boundaries. In addition, this proposal protects Spring Chinook, Steelhead, and Chum that are attempting to enter the hatchery.
Related Public Proposals Received
DFW162927-16

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