Action:  Opens hatchery Chinook salmon retention

Effective dates: Sept. 17 through September 26, 2022

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Location: Whatcom Creek (Whatcom Co.) from the mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers downstream of the footbridge that is downstream of Dupont Street. Catch record card code is 884.

Rules:

• Open Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only (closed to all fishing Tuesdays through Fridays).
• Daily limit is 1 hatchery Chinook only. Minimum size 12". Release all other salmon.
• Night closure in effect.
• Anti-snagging rule in effect.
• Closed to fishing for or possessing any species other than Chinook on open days.

Reason for action: Chinook released at the Whatcom Fish Hatchery to aid southern resident killer whales and support harvest programs have returned to Whatcom Creek in harvestable numbers.

Additional information: All salmon not to be retained as part of the daily limit should be immediately released unharmed.
This fishery is possible through the combined efforts of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian Tribe as well as Bellingham Technical College fisheries and aquaculture sciences staff and students. Closure days are so that all co-manager fishers and recreational anglers may participate in this opportunity without gear conflicts.

Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700