Citing low coho returns, recreational salmon fishing in Willapa Bay and its tributaries has been closed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife by emergency rule change Nov. 13.

The closure includes Willapa Bay — Marine Area 2-1 — and the Bear River, Forks Creek, Naselle River, North River, Smith Creek, Willapa River, Willapa River south fork, and the middle, north and south forks of the Nemah River.

“Coho returns to tributaries in the Willapa Bay watershed have been significantly lower than preseason predictions,” read the emergency closure. “These conservation measures are being taken to ensure escapement goals are met. Managers will continue to assess coho returns and re-open if warranted.”

For more information on other Willapa Bay fisheries, see https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.