Willapa Bay and all tributaries will be closed to salmon fishing effective Sept. 21 “until further notice,” according to a statement from the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

According to the department, fall chinook are returning to tributaries of Willapa Bay in significantly lower numbers than preseason predictions in all fisheries. Closing the salmon fisheries will increase the number of hatchery fish available to make egg-take goals. Managers will continue to assess chinook returns and will re-open the fisheries if warranted.

All salmon species will be off-limits during the closure in Marine Area 2.1. and all tributaries. The closure includes Bear River from mouth to Lime Quarry Road; Naselle River from mouth to Naselle Hatchery attraction channel; Middle Nemah River from mouth to Middle Nemah A-Line; North Nemah River from Highway 101 to bridge on Nemah Valley Road; South Nemah River, from mouth upstream; Willapa River from mouth to Fork Creek; and South Fork Willapa River from mouth to Pehl Road bridge.