Washington Closes Coastal Rivers to Protect Coho Salmon

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife closed fishing on the Chehalis, Humptulips, Willapa, and Naselle rivers effective October 24. The agency ordered the closures in response to near-historic low water flows caused by drought and coho salmon returns that failed to meet pre-season forecasts.

The Washington State Guides Association announced its support for the decision, citing a conservation priority of "fish first always." While the association acknowledged that the closures create economic hardship for local communities and professional guides, it maintained that the measures are necessary to protect the future of the fisheries.

State officials intend to reopen the affected waters once fish populations and river flow levels improve.