OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Historically low river levels have prompted the closure of recreational fishing in most rivers and streams of Olympic National Park.
The emergency closure, which began Thursday, is intended to protect several fish populations during the ongoing severe low-flow conditions, the park said in a press release.
Locations
Closed to recreational fishing until further notice in the park are the 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 the park are closed.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife also closed more than 50 North Coast river and stream closures as of today.
The closures include the Quillayute, Sol Duc, Calawah and Bogachiel near Forks, the Hoh River and the South Fork of the Hoh River.
This year’s severe drought conditions have reduced river flows to at or near historic low levels, authorities say.
Low water conditions can impede upstream spawning migrations and also increase the vulnerability of salmonids to angling as fish concentrate in smaller and smaller pools.
