The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the Skagit River will open Thursday to fishing for hatchery Chinook salmon from the West Mount Vernon Bridge to Gilligan Creek east of Sedro-Woolley.

That fishery will run at least through May 14, but may be extended through the end of May.

The daily limit is two hatchery Chinook with a minimum size of 12 inches.

Wild Chinook (adipose fin present) and all other species must be released.

Night closures are in effect and anglers may fish with two poles provided they have a two-pole endorsement.

This fishery targets spring Chinook heading to Fish and Wildlife’s Marblemount Hatchery on the Cascade River, where harvestable numbers of hatchery spring Chinook are forecast to return.

Known as springers, the salmon often reach impressive sizes.

Recreational fishing closures to prevent conflicts during tribal fisheries are possible, and in-season changes to fishing rules will be announced as soon as possible.

The fishery will be actively monitored by Fish and Wildlife staff, and anglers are asked to cooperate with creel personnel collecting catch information.

An upriver portion of the Skagit River above Rockport as well as the Cascade River below the hatchery may open for spring Chinook in late May, pending approval from fisheries managers.