Fishing Rule Change on Cle Elum River

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

March 13, 2025

Portion of Cle Elum River to close to all fishing

Action: Closes all fishing immediately downstream of Cle Elum Dam.

Species affected: All species.

Effective dates: Immediately, until further notice.

Location: Cle Elum River from the base of Cle Elum Dam downstream to the “Green Bridge” located approximately 2,000 feet downstream near the salmon viewing trailhead.

Reason for action: Ongoing construction of fish passage facilities near the dam, including planned in-channel work is impacting both banks of the river. To reduce impact on fish-life during construction, this reach of the river must be closed to angling until work is completed.

Additional information: The Cle Elum River below the closure area remains open under selective gear rules with catch and release required for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.

Information contact: South Central Region, 509-575-2740, or Trevor Hutton, Region 3 Fish Program Manager, 564-200-2094.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit https://wdfw.wa.gov to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.