OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – Low water flows throughout the Olympic Peninsula have forced officials from Olympic National Park to issue an emergency closure of all recreational fishing beginning on October 6 at 12:01 am.
The following river systems within the Park will close to all recreational fishing until further notice: Ozette, Bogachiel, South Fork Calawah, Sol Duc, North Fork Sol Duc, Dickey, Quillayute, Hoh, South Fork Hoh, Queets, Salmon, and Quinault Rivers (including East Fork, North Fork, Main Stem).
Additionally, Cedar, Goodman, Kalaloch, and Mosquito Creeks within Olympic National Park are closed as of 12:01 AM October 6.
Park officials say the move is meant to protect several fish populations during the ongoing severe low-flow conditions, which today stand at or near historic low levels. Low water conditions impede upstream spawning migrations and also increase the vulnerability of salmonids to angling as fish concentrate in smaller and smaller pools.
The broad application of the closure is necessary to better protect Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, and federally threatened bull trout in the park’s rivers and creeks.
Olympic National Park sport fishing regulations for 2022-2023 are available on the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm as well as at park visitor centers, fee booths, ranger stations, and area fishing stores.