WDFW closes Clearwater River (Jefferson County) to all fishing amid low salmon returns

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the Clearwater River in Jefferson County to all fishing. The closure, effective Oct. 16, 2026, runs from the mouth upstream, covers all species, and stays in place until further notice. WDFW’s October 2026 emergency-rules list includes the closure. Big Country News Connection’s Oct. 16 report, attributing the department, says the shutdown is meant to protect salmon in the watershed and raise the chance of meeting conservation objectives.

In-season monitoring in the Queets River basin shows coho harvest well below projections, a sign the 2026 return may be under the preseason expectation. Summer precipitation in the Queets watershed was below normal. Low water has held migrating Chinook and coho lower in the river instead of letting them move up to spawning grounds. Recent rain moved some fish upstream, but low water is still affecting migration and adding to concern about Chinook and coho escapement.

Managers will keep watching conditions and salmon movement, and they may reopen the fishery if conditions improve. Anglers are asked to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notices and to check WDFW emergency rules before they fish.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Big Country News Connection — Clearwater River to close to all fishing (Oct. 16, 2026, attributing WDFW). Also: WDFW emergency fishing rules.