Action: Open Skagit River to fishing for trout.

Effective Dates: March 28, 2013, to April 30, 2013.

Species Affected: All gamefish.

Location: The Skagit River from the mouth to Highway 536 at Mt. Vernon (Memorial Highway).

Reasons for Action: The Fish and Wildlife Commission, on March 3, 2013, approved sport fishing proposal #54: "Open a trout fishery from the mouth to Highway 536 (Memorial Bridge) from March 28 through May 31. Anglers must use hooks with a ?? inch gap (approximately a size 2 hook) and follow selective gear rules." This emergency regulation is necessary to open this fishery, as the 2013-2014 pamphlet will not go into effect until May 1.

Other Information: Selective gear rules, maximum hook size of ?? inch gap allowed. Trout minimum size is 14 inch, with a daily limit 2. Dolly Varden/Bull Trout minimum size is 20 inch, and may be retained as part of trout daily limit.

On May 1, seasons will revert back to permanent rules in effect as listed in the 2013-14 Fishing in Washington sport fishing pamphlet.

Information Contact: Brett Barkdull (360) 466-4345 ext. 270 [email protected]