Hoh and Quillayute watersheds close to all fishing on Oct. 19

The Olympic Peninsula’s Hoh and Quillayute systems are about to shut. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind adopted emergency order 26-232 on Oct. 16, 2026. It takes effect Oct. 19 and closes the listed waters, including their tributaries, to all fishing until further notice. The order repeals the prior coast exception, WAC 220-312-02000J.

WDFW says the closure is meant to improve the chances of meeting salmon conservation goals by protecting vulnerable populations. In-season monitoring in both basins shows coho harvest substantially lower than anticipated, which the department reads as a 2026 return under the preseason projection. Below-average summer rain left flows low, and Chinook and coho have been holding in the lower river instead of moving up to spawning areas. Recent rain let some fish start upstream, but low water is still a concern for migration and for Chinook and coho escapement. Managers may reopen fisheries if conditions improve.

The closed list names the Hoh in Jefferson County from the Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the park boundary below the mouth of the South Fork, and the South Fork Hoh outside the park. On the Quillayute side it includes the Quillayute from the park boundary up to the Sol Duc–Bogachiel confluence, the Bogachiel from the mouth to the park boundary, the Sol Duc from the mouth to the park boundary, the Calawah including the North and South forks up to the park boundary, and the Dickey from the park boundary upstream including the East and West forks. Also closed: both Bear Creeks in Clallam County, Beaver Creek, the Sitkum, and Thunder Creek.

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

Source: WDFW — CR-103E emergency rule, WSR 26-21-057, order 26-232 (PDF) (adopted Oct. 16, 2026; effective Oct. 19). Also: WDFW emergency fishing rules.