WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – All fishing on the North Fork Nooksack River has been closed indefinitely.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the closure on Monday, citing the need to protect spawning Chinook

Recent surveys by the state Department of Ecology have found that endangered Chinook are still active on spawning ground in the North Fork.

The fishing closure will remain in effect until the Chinook are no longer spawning.

The North Fork Nooksack River runs from the Highway 9 Bridge to Nooksack Falls.

WDFW says the Chinook are clear of the mainstream Nooksack River, so it’s returned to permanent fishing regulations.

Before fishing in Washington, be sure to stay informed with the regulations by the WDFW by locating a physical copy at your local tackle shop or by visiting the WDFW website here.