SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Local anglers can soon take advantage of spring Chinook fishing on the Skagit River.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife says a portion of the river will be open for hatchery Chinook salmon starting on Thursday, April 24.

The spring season will last through at least May 14 between the Memorial Highway Bridge in Mount Vernon and Gilligan Creek.

Anglers are limited to keeping two hatchery Chinook per day, and they must be at least 12″. All other species are required to be released.

The announcement comes days before fishing at lowland lakes around the state opens on Saturday, April 26.