Conditions described here were accurate only as of the date shown and may have changed. This is not a substitute for current official information from the agency with jurisdiction. See the full notice. Full notice.
Snohomish River Closes to All Fishing Saturday Over Weak Coho
Washington shuts the river from the mouth to the Skykomish and Snoqualmie confluence, October 3 through November 1.
The Snohomish River closes to all fishing on Saturday, October 3, under an emergency rule from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The closure runs through November 1 and covers the river from its mouth upstream to the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers. It applies to every species, salmon and game fish alike.
The concern is coho. Sport coho fishing in the marine areas around the Snohomish has run ahead of preseason expectations, the department says, but the signs have not shown up in the terminal marine areas or the lower river. Recent rain has moved some fish, though low water may be holding up the run, and managers are worried the 2026 return is below forecast.
There is history behind the caution. Snohomish coho were classed as overfished by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2018 and reclassified as rebuilt in 2024. Last year's return fell short of the escapement goal, and a second poor year in a row could undo that recovery.
The rule covers only the main Snohomish. The Skykomish, Snoqualmie and other tributaries are not part of this closure; check the department's emergency rules page before fishing them, since rules can change at short notice. The North Puget Sound regional office is at (425) 775-1311.
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