Seattle area Steelhead anglers know the Snoqualmie River very well, it's one of our closest options during the winter season. Recently, the state has announced that is will discontinue Chambers Creek strain winter steelhead plants at the Tokul Creek Hatchery, meaning we have only a few more shots at catching these "hatchery brats" locally.
In an effort to harvest up any late-season returning hatchery fish, portions of the Snoqualmie River and Tokul Creek near the hatchery will remain open to fishing until March 1.
This is a great opportunity to fish the river late into the season.
Snoqualmie River and Tokul Creek winter game fish seasons extended
February 10, 2026
Action: Extends open game fish seasons.
Effective dates: Feb. 16–March 1, 2026.
Species affected: All game fish.
Locations and rules:
- Snoqualmie River, from boat ramp at Plum access area to mouth of Tokul Creek:
- All species: Fishing from a floating device prohibited.
- Trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches.
- Other game fish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
- Snoqualmie River, from Tokul Creek to Snoqualmie Falls:
- Trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches.
- Other game fish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
- Tokul Creek, from mouth to the posted boundary marker downstream of diversion dam:
- All species: Anti-snagging rule in effect. Closed daily from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches.
- Other game fish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
Reason for action: This late season fishing opportunity targeting hatchery steelhead will help minimize hatchery fish from straying to natural spawning areas.
Additional information: Refer to WDFW's October 2024 news release for background information on the phase out of the segregated broodstock early winter steelhead hatchery program at Tokul Creek on the Snoqualmie River.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: North Puget Sound Region, TeamMillCreek@dfw.wa.gov, 425-775-1311.
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.
