Fishing To Close On Clearwater And Salmon Rivers And Tributaries

Action: Closes to all fishing the Clearwater River (Jefferson Co.) and its tributaries, and all tributaries to the Queets River, including the Salmon River outside Olympic National Park and the Quinault Indian Reservation.

Effective date: Aug. 10, 2015, until further notice.

Species affected: All species.

Location: In west Jefferson County, the Clearwater River and its tributaries, and tributaries of the Queets River (Matheny Creek and the Salmon River outside Olympic National Park and the Quinault Reservation).

Reason for action: Low water flows and higher-than-normal water temperatures this summer are creating conditions that can stress fish stocks by limiting their movements and making them more susceptible to diseases and fishing pressure. These areas are closing to fishing until river conditions improve.

The Olympic National Park has also closed the Queets River and tributaries within the Park. These closures are needed to protect wild fish stocks.

Information contact: Mike Gross, District 16 Fish Biologist, (360) 249-1210.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.