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- calendar_today October 10, 2026
Stillaguamish River Fishing Closure Announced
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the Stillaguamish River to all recreational fishing activities through November 1, 2026, in an effort to protect endangered Chinook salmon populations. The closure began Friday, October 9, 2026, and will remain in effect until November 2, according to a recent release from the department.
Closure Details and Affected Areas
This fishing closure applies to the section of the Stillaguamish River stretching from Marine Drive, located south of Stanwood, upstream to the forks where the North Fork Stillaguamish and South Fork Stillaguamish rivers converge near Arlington. The decision to impose this recreational fishing ban came after preliminary monitoring data indicated that the number of protected Chinook salmon in the river had reached a threshold requiring immediate conservation action.
Purpose: Chinook Salmon Protection
The closure is aimed at allowing endangered Chinook salmon to move through the river system without disturbance during a critical time in their migration and spawning process. State officials anticipate that most Chinook will no longer be present in these waters by early November. As such, recreational fishing is anticipated to reopen on November 2, 2026, provided that Chinook salmon numbers decrease as expected. All anglers should be aware that normal 2026-27 Washington sport fishing rules will apply once the river reopens.
Specific North and South Fork Closures
Additional restrictions remain in place for various sections of the river. The lower North Fork Stillaguamish River, from its mouth to the Highway 530 Bridge (also known as the Cicero Bridge), remains closed to all fishing until further notice, as per an earlier announcement on September 19. Moreover, the upper North Fork—from the Highway 530 Bridge to North Fork Falls—will stay closed to all fishing through November 1, following the annual fishing rules. Similar regulations apply to the South Fork Stillaguamish River, from the mouth to the Mountain Loop Highway Bridge above Granite Falls.
Enforcement and Conservation Efforts
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is enforcing the closure to ensure the safety and conservation of the endangered salmon species. The agency urges anglers to check the latest regulations and observe all posted restrictions to support salmon conservation and comply with state mandates.
How Anglers Can Stay Informed
Anglers can access updated fishing closure information, annual sport fishing rules, and other regulations online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife resources. Compliance with these closures is essential to promote recovery efforts for endangered Chinook and protect the health of the Stillaguamish River ecosystem, from Marine Drive Stillaguamish to the forked headwaters.
Looking Ahead
Fishing in the Stillaguamish River is expected to resume on November 2, 2026, if salmon conservation targets are met as anticipated. The Department reminds recreational anglers to follow all applicable regulations and to stay informed about updates as conditions change.
Source: heraldnet.com.
