Sockeye fisheries open July 16 on Baker, Skagit rivers

Action: Opens Baker and Skagit rivers sockeye fisheries.
Effective Dates: 12:01 a.m. July 16, 2010, through 11:59 p.m. July 18, 2010.
Species affected: Sockeye salmon.
Location: Baker River from mouth to Highway 20 bridge; Skagit River from the Dalles Bridge at Concrete to a point 200 feet above the east bank of the Baker River.
Reason for action: The run of sockeye in the Baker River is above the number needed for spawning and hatchery egg-take needs. Both state and tribal fisheries are being opened to harvest available shares.
Other information: Anti-snagging rule and night closure are in effect. Regulations for all other areas of the Skagit River remain in effect as listed in the 2010/2011 Fishing in Washington, sports fishing rules pamphlet. Additional openings are under consideration, including Baker Lake. Additional openings will be announced after coordination with tribal co-managers.
Information contact: Brett Barkdull (360) 466-4345, ext 270, or Steve Thiesfeld, (360) 902-2715.