Historic low water levels for several rivers within Olympic National Park in Washington have resulted in drastic action meant to support struggling fish populations.
The National Parks Service has issued a closure on all fishing in Olympic National Park starting on October 6 and lasting indefinitely. The severe low-flow conditions affecting the rivers in the region have led to a ban on recreational fishing in Ozette, Bogachiel, South Fork Calawah, Sol Duc, North Fork Sol Duc, Dickey, Quillayute, Hoh, South Fork Hoh, Queets, Salmon, and Quinault Rivers (including East Fork, North Fork, and Main Stem).
In addition, Cedar, Goodman, Kalaloch, and Mosquito Creeks within Olympic National Park are closed.
"Low water conditions may impede upstream spawning migrations and also increase the vulnerability of salmonids to angling as fish concentrate in smaller and smaller pools," the NPS said. "The broad application of this closure is necessary to address angling pressure during these extreme low-flow conditions to better protect Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, and federally threatened bull trout in the park's rivers and creeks."
According to the Seattle Times, it's a combination of low rainfall and high temperatures that have contributed to the less-than-ideal conditions. From July to September, Seattle only saw 0.48 inches of rain, which is far below the normal average of 3.16 inches during that span. Technically it is the driest recorded stretch in history for this time of year.
More info about Olympic National Park can be found on the NPS website, but fishing won't be allowed until further notice. In total, there are 75 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, 800 lakes, and 4,000 miles of rivers and streams within the park's boundaries.
