Fish and Wildlife announces regulations for salmon catch-and-release through Dec. 31

Washington State Fish and Wildlife has announced that anglers must release all salmon caught in the Snohomish, Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers, except hatchery coho, from Sunday, Oct. 29, to Dec. 31. 

The department in a release states this regulation has been put in place due to lower coho and pink salmon run sizes than the pre-season forecast. This was determined through spawning ground surveys, counts at the Sunset Falls trap and Wallace Hatchery rack. WSFW reports fisheries may be reopened if escapement goals are expected to be met.

Hatchery coho can be identified by their clipped adipose fins.