Due to concerns about the status, trends, and escapement of Hoh River Chinook salmon, Olympic National Park is closing the upper Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, and all tributaries to recreational fishing from September 9 through October 15, 2014.  The upper Hoh and South Fork Hoh Rivers are scheduled to reopen on October 16.

This emergency closure is designed to maximize the protection of spawning Chinook salmon.  The Hoh spring/summer Chinook population has failed to meet the minimum escapement goal in 6 of the last 7 years and remains at low levels of abundance.  Additionally, the number of spawners this year is projected to be below the escapement floor.  Spawning for this unique wild population primarily occurs in Olympic National Park.

“The National Park Service seeks to provide diverse recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the preservation and restoration of native fish,” said Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.  “However, with the run size at low numbers it is critical to provide additional protection for Chinook while they are staging to spawn in park waters”.  While the upper Hoh and its tributaries are closed, anglers are encouraged to explore other areas in the park for fishing.

For more information about fishing in Olympic National Park, including a complete copy of the current fishing regulations, people can visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/olym/fishing.htm.