The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), in conjunction with Skagit co-managing tribes, has declared an early closure to the steelhead fishery on the Skagit and Sauk rivers, set for the end of the day on Thursday, April 10. This action, taken due to lower than expected returns of wild steelhead, means the rivers will be off-limits to anglers beginning Friday, April 11. The WDFW has revised the 2025 steelhead forecast down to 5,151 wild steelhead from the preseason forecast of 7,019, a significant shortfall that biologists believe warrants immediate intervention.
This decision to close the fishing season, as described in the WDFW newsroom, aims to reserve the remaining steelhead for spring salmon fisheries and helps to adhere to the Skagit River Steelhead Resource Management Plan (RMP) guidelines. "We understand that closing this popular fishery early will be a disappointment for some anglers and guides—including those who travel from around the state and even around the world to experience the National Wild and Scenic-designated Skagit and Sauk rivers and their wild steelhead," said Edward Eleazer, WDFW’s North Puget Sound Region Fish Program manager. However, with current in-season data, this move is critical to preserve wild steelhead stock and support future fishing activities.
The recreational catch-and-release steelhead fishery, which has been open since February 1, isn’t the only one being shut down; tribal comanagers are also wrapping up their steelhead fisheries sooner than planned. As these efforts unfold, it's worth reflecting on the fact that in 2007, the steelhead population of Puget Sound—which includes those returning to the Skagit—was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Since then, sustainability and conservation have been paramount in managing these vulnerable fish stocks.
Under the established RMP, state and tribal co-managers are permitted to operate steelhead-directed fisheries with specific guidelines, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms set in place to protect the species. The joint management efforts extend to collaborative initiatives like the Quicksilver Portfolio, which outlines a comprehensive strategy for rebuilding Puget Sound steelhead populations and their fisheries. For interested parties, the WDFW webpage offers more information, including access to the full report on these conservation plans.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife continues its work to preserve and protect fish, wildlife, and ecosystems throughout Washington State. They also strive to provide sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities for the public. For those needing information in alternative formats or languages, WDFW encourages contact through their accessibility resources.
