State closes steelhead fishing on all forks of Nooksack River beginning Dec. 1

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recently announced a closure for steelhead fishing on all forks of the Nooksack River for the month of December. Fishing on the Nooksack River also will close for all species for the month of January.

Locations:

• Mainstem Nooksack River from the yellow marker approximately 0.65 miles upstream of Slater Rd at 48° 49’ 30.1” N, 122° 35’ 08.3” W to the confluence of North and South Forks.
• Middle Fork Nooksack River from the mouth to the former city of Bellingham diversion dam.
• North Fork Nooksack River from the confluence with the South Fork to Maple Creek.
• South Fork Nooksack River from the mouth to Skookum Creek.

According to a WDFW news release, “The 2024 Nooksack River hatchery steelhead return came in below forecast, and broodstock goals were not met. The 2025-2026 hatchery steelhead forecast is for 41 fish, well below the 160 fish broodstock goal. These in-season conservation measures are needed to ensure future sport and treaty hatchery steelhead fishing opportunities.”

The north fork, south fork and mainstem will remain open for coho as listed in the 2025-2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules, through the end of the year. If broodstock goals are met, WDFW will evaluate if any sport opportunity can be offered.

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.

This story was originally published November 29, 2025 at 3:50 PM.