Catch-and-release steelhead fishery to open on Skagit, Sauk rivers

OLYMPIA, Wash. — For the second straight year, anglers will have the chance to chase wild steelhead during a catch-and-release fishery beginning Feb. 1 in sections of the Skagit and Sauk rivers, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday.

“We are excited to again be able to provide anglers with an opportunity to fish for wild steelhead on one of the premier river systems on the West Coast,” said Edward Eleazer, regional fish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

After closing the Skagit Basin to steelhead fishing for several years, the state and tribes received federal approval on a five-year steelhead fishery plan. Click here to read about last year's opening.

The recreational fishery will be open daily and includes the following areas:

Skagit River, from the Dalles Bridge in the town of Concrete to the Cascade River Road Bridge in Marblemount. Fishing from a boat that is under power is prohibited.

Sauk River, from the mouth to the Sauk Prairie Road Bridge in Darrington. Fishing from a boat equipped with an internal combustion motor is prohibited.

Anglers can keep up to two hatchery steelhead (marked by a clipped adipose fin), but must release all wild steelhead. Click here for more details on the fishery rules.

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