Judge rejects Sauk-Suiattle bid to reopen fishing case

A Washington federal judge has dismissed the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe’s request to revisit a decades-old ruling on tribal fishing rights. The tribe sought to establish its right to fish in marine waters via the Skagit and Baker rivers, but Judge Ricardo Martinez ruled the issue was settled in the landmark 1974 Boldt decision. Four other tribes, including the Swinomish and Upper Skagit, opposed the request, citing prior court rulings. The Sauk-Suiattle Tribe is weighing further options.