All fishing closed on Chehalis River and tributaries until further notice

The Chehalis River and its tributaries are closed to fishing until further notice.

In a release, as of Tuesday, the Chehalis River, South Fork Chehalis River, North Fork Newaukum River, South Fork Newaukum River, and Skookumchuck River are closed to fishing for all species.

The Washington Satate Department of Fish & Wildlife say that the streams and rivers where spring Chinook hold and stage through the summer are experiencing lower than normal stream flows, adding that low stream flows decrease holding and staging refuges and elevate vulnerability and pressure on these Chinook. 

In May, WDFW announced that the rivers would remain closed to all fishing through June 30 after previously closing the river for spring chinook. 

They say that any incidental encounters of spring Chinook during game fishing could subject this fish to stress, injury, or death, which during a year of low predicted returns could harm future runs.

For more information, see the 2019-20 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet or visit the WDFW website at wdfw.wa.gov for additional fishing opportunities and regulations.