BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The fishing season on lower Whatcom Creek is closing early due to a low return rate for chum salmon.
Brett Barkdull with the Department of Fish and Wildlife says students operating the hatchery at Bellingham Technical College haven’t been able to harvest enough eggs to ensure a healthy returning stock.
The fishing season that usually runs through December is closing Friday for all species from the footbridge near Dupont Street to the saltwater.
Barkdull says it could re-open if enough fish return in coming days.