The Salmon Fishing Current blog: fall and early-winter 2024 edition
Latest post: Salmon fishing in coastal rivers continues through December.
As part of the ongoing summer and fall salmon fishing season, WDFW has created the “The Salmon Fishing Current” blog. This blog is a way to keep anglers informed of any in-season fishing rule changes, emergency closures or other related developments in Puget Sound, the coast and Columbia River. We share your frustration when opportunities for upcoming scheduled seasons change or close sooner than expected, and we hope this blog provides a better understanding of why those changes could occur. You can find more about early-summer salmon fisheries during June and July in the early-summer Salmon Fishing Current blog.
Find the latest salmon updates
Dec. 3, 2024 — Salmon fishing in coastal rivers continues through December.
Nov. 7, 2024 — Snoqualmie River opens coho fishing and returns to permanent fishing rules for gamefish Nov. 8. Tokul Creek also opens game fish season beginning Nov. 8.
Oct. 31, 2024 — Chum salmon retention in sections of Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound), Kennedy Creek in Totten Inlet, and Carr Inlet begins Nov. 1.
Oct. 31, 2024 — Coho salmon retention opens on the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers beginning Nov. 1. A section of the Skagit River is also open for coho only.
Oct. 30, 2024 — Retention of hatchery steelhead opens on the Lower Columbia River, with an expanded fishing area, starting Nov. 1.
Sept. 20, 2024 — Daily limit reduced from two to one coho salmon in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) beginning Monday, Sept. 23.
Sept. 11, 2024 — Chinook retention to reopen at Buoy 10 on Sept. 12; fishing days added in Columbia River from Warrior Rock to Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco.
Sept. 5, 2024 — Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) salmon daily limit will be increased to two hatchery Chinook beginning Friday, Sept. 6.
Sept. 3, 2024 — Chinook season closes at Buoy 10 after Tuesday, Sept. 3; retention rule change for Columbia River (Puget Island to Warrior Rock).
Aug. 30, 2024 — Daily limit reduced from two to one coho salmon in Marine Area 8–2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Aug. 29, 2024 — Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) and Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) to reopen for salmon fishing on Wednesday, Sept. 4 only; Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) to close after Monday, Sept. 2.
Aug. 21, 2024 — Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) to close for salmon fishing after Saturday, Aug. 24.
Aug. 19, 2024 — Marine Area 3 (La Push) to close for salmon fishing after Tuesday, Aug. 20, other coastal ports to remain open.
Aug. 16, 2024 — Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) to reopen for salmon fishing Aug. 19–22 only, other coastal ports to remain open.
Aug. 8, 2024 — Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) to close for salmon fishing after Sunday, Aug. 11, other coastal ports to remain open.
Aug. 8, 2024 — Chinook salmon fishery in Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) to reopen Aug. 11–12, and Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) to reopen Aug. 13.
Aug. 6, 2024 — Record-breaking sockeye salmon year in Central Washington.
August 5, 2024 — As coho fisheries ramp up, anglers are reminded about retention rules.
Learn more about WDFW pre-season planning and in-season salmon management.
Dec. 3, 2024 — Salmon fishing in coastal rivers continues through December
Storms moving in from the Pacific Ocean continue to draw migrating coho into Olympic Peninsula, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay rivers, and anglers can find late-season salmon fishing opportunities in December and even through early in the new year.
On the northern coast, fishing options include the Bogachiel, Calawah, Hoh, Sol Duc, and Quillayute rivers, which are open for salmon through Dec. 15.
In the central coastal region, the Chehalis, Copalis, Hoquiam, Humptulips, John’s, Moclips, Newaukum, Satsop, Skookumchuck, Wishkah, and Wynoochee rivers are open for salmon fishing through Dec. 31.
On the southern coast, options to catch salmon through Jan. 31 include the Naselle, Nemah, North, and Willapa rivers.
Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay have two distinct runs of coho — often referred to as early-timed A-run and late-timed B-run fish — with the first arriving from late August through early November, followed by a second run showing up before Thanksgiving and well into end of year holidays, and the new year.
Selective gear rules (no bait) and a single-point barbless hook rule apply to all coastal salmon and steelhead sport fisheries. For additional details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules.
For the recently announced 2024–25 coastal steelhead fishing season refer to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) news release. Anglers are also encouraged to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing.
Nov. 7, 2024 — Snoqualmie River opens coho fishing and returns to permanent fishing rules for gamefish Nov. 8
The Snoqualmie River opens for coho salmon retention and permanent fishing rules for gamefish from Nov. 8 through Dec. 31 from the mouth to Snoqualmie Falls.
In season observations on the Snoqualmie River indicate risk of incidental sport fishery encounters with Chinook is low in this area. Fishery managers will monitor the fisheries and spawning grounds closely for natural Chinook encounters. Additionally, the coho in-season monitoring data indicates a low risk of exceeding management objectives for coho.
The Snoqualmie River was last open in November 2023 for coho retention, and for a three-week period in 2022. Prior to that it had been closed since 2018 due to poor coho returns.
The daily limit is two salmon. The minimum size is 12 inches. Release Chinook and chum. Anti-snagging rule is in effect for the Snoqualmie River.
Nov. 7, 2024 — Tokul Creek opens game fish season Nov. 8
Tokul Creek from the mouth to the posted boundary marker downstream of diversion dam is open for game fish from Nov. 8 through Feb. 15, 2025.
This early season opener will allow anglers to fish for hatchery steelhead in Tokul Creek including upstream of Fish Hatchery Road bridge.
Fishing rules:
- All species: Anti-snagging rules in effect. Fishing closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
- Trout: Statewide minimum size and daily limit, except cutthroat trout and wild rainbow trout minimum size 14 inches.
- Other game fish: Statewide minimum size and daily limit.
WDFW recently announced changes to the Tokul Creek hatchery program. Tokul Creek hatchery will be ending its segregated hatchery program (using only early winter hatchery broodstock) at the end of 2024 and switching to an integrated broodstock program (using wild broodstock) to support steelhead conservation and sustainable fishing opportunities in the future. Additional fishing opportunity targeting hatchery steelhead will help minimize hatchery fish from straying to natural spawning areas and assist in the transition to an integrated broodstock program.
Anglers are encouraged to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. For details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the North of Falcon webpage. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources.
Oct. 31, 2024 — Chum salmon retention in sections of Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound), Kennedy Creek in Totten Inlet, and Carr Inlet begins Nov. 1
Chum salmon retention is opening within portions of Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound), Kennedy Creek in Totten Inlet, and Carr Inlet starting Nov. 1, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers announced.
The overall Puget Sound chum population is exceeding pre-season expectations and strong numbers have been documented throughout marine areas of central and southern Puget Sound. In-season estimates of chum returns to Puget Sound indicate a 2024 return that is sufficient enough to allow for limited recreational harvest in South Puget Sound and presents a low risk of negatively impacting natural stocks returning to the area.
Chum retention is open in parts of Marine Area 13 from Nov. 1 through Dec. 7 while remaining closed in the eastern portion. This allows fishing opportunity on healthy fall chum stocks returning to South Sound inlets while protecting winter chum returning to the Nisqually River, which have not met their escapement goal in recent years and remain a focus of conservation in fishery planning.
Chum retention in Marine Area 13 includes waters northerly and westerly of a line projected from the Johnson Point (47°10'40.8"N, 122°48'53.3"W) to Devil’s Head (47°10'01.2"N, 122°46'01.5"W); and waters of Carr Inlet northerly of a line projected from Penrose Point (47°15'53.6"N, 122°44'11.5"W) to Green Point (47°16'55.2"N, 122°41'41.8"W). Please refer to the map where the dark green highlighted areas are open for chum retention in Marine Area 13.
In South Puget Sound and Carr Inlet (waters listed above) the daily salmon limit is two. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches and other salmon species have no minimum size. Wild coho and wild Chinook must be released.
Waters of South Puget Sound not covered above, which include waters surrounding Anderson Island and around the Nisqually River, remain under rules listed in the 2024–2025 Washington Sport Fishing Rules and require release of chum.
Kennedy Creek in Totten Inlet from the mouth (an arc 500 yards east of the midpoint of the northbound Highway 101 Bridge) to the northbound Highway 101 Bridge is also open for chum retention from Nov. 1 through Dec. 7. At Kennedy Creek, the daily salmon limit is two. Minimum size is 12 inches. Wild coho and wild Chinook must be released. Night closure and selective gear rules in effect.
Anglers will be allowed to retain coho on the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers beginning Nov. 1. (Photo by Brooke Orizaba)
Oct. 31, 2024 — Coho salmon retention opens on the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers beginning Nov. 1
The sections open for coho salmon retention from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 include the Snohomish River from the mouth (Burlington-Northern Railroad bridges) including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways, but excluding all tributaries, to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers (all channels); Skykomish River from the mouth to confluence of North and South forks; and the Wallace River from the mouth to 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery.
Snohomish basin Chinook are nearing the end of their spawning run, and the risk of incidental sport fishery encounters of natural Chinook is reduced in these areas. Fishery managers will monitor the fisheries and spawning grounds closely for natural Chinook encounters. Additionally, the coho in-season monitoring data indicates a low risk of exceeding management objectives for coho.
The daily limit is two salmon. The minimum size is 12 inches. Release Chinook and chum. Anti-snagging rule and night closure are in place for all species (except sturgeon) through Nov. 30 in the Snohomish River, Skykomish River from the mouth to the Highway 2 Bridge, and in the Wallace River from the mouth to 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery.
The Skagit River from the mouth to the Cascade River Road (Marblemount Bridge) is also open for coho only through Dec. 31. The Skagit coho return is greater than forecast and allows for the recreational coho season to be extended. The salmon daily limit is two coho only with a minimum size of 12 inches. Release all salmon other than coho. A night closure is in effect.
Anglers are encouraged to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. For details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the North of Falcon webpage. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources.
WDFW meets regularly with the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group to share sampling data and hear their recommendations for fisheries that offer good opportunities for anglers while staying within conservation guidelines. The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping fishing seasons. The advisory group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
Oct. 31, 2024 — Coho salmon retention opens on the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers beginning Nov. 1
The sections open for coho salmon retention from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 include the Snohomish River from the mouth (Burlington-Northern Railroad bridges) including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways, but excluding all tributaries, to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers (all channels); Skykomish River from the mouth to confluence of North and South forks; and the Wallace River from the mouth to 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery.
Snohomish basin Chinook are nearing the end of their spawning run, and the risk of incidental sport fishery encounters of natural Chinook is reduced in these areas. Fishery managers will monitor the fisheries and spawning grounds closely for natural Chinook encounters. Additionally, the coho in-season monitoring data indicates a low risk of exceeding management objectives for coho.
The daily limit is two salmon. The minimum size is 12 inches. Release Chinook and chum. Anti-snagging rule and night closure are in place for all species (except sturgeon) through Nov. 30 in the Snohomish River, Skykomish River from the mouth to the Highway 2 Bridge, and in the Wallace River from the mouth to 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery.
Anglers are encouraged to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. For details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the North of Falcon webpage. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources.
WDFW meets regularly with the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group to share sampling data and hear their recommendations for fisheries that offer good opportunities for anglers while staying within conservation guidelines. The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping fishing seasons. The advisory group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
Oct. 30, 2024 — Retention of hatchery steelhead opens on the Lower Columbia River, with an expanded fishing area, starting Nov. 1
Chinook and coho fishing remain open in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco through Dec. 31, with hatchery steelhead retention allowed as part of the daily bag limit in the same stretch of river starting Nov. 1.
Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington took joint state action Oct. 30 to allow hatchery steelhead retention from The Dalles Dam upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco effective Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Previously, hatchery steelhead retention was set to open Nov. 1 only in waters downstream of The Dalles Dam under permanent rules.
Since 2017, fishery managers have implemented more restrictive regulations on steelhead fishing due to concerns about both A- and B-index runs. A-index steelhead, which measure under 78 centimeters, typically return earlier in the season, while B-index steelhead, which measure 78 centimeters or larger, return later. This year, the A-index run was the largest since 2016 and exceeded expectations. However, it’s the B-index run, the largest since 2010, that prompted fishery managers to consider a measured and modest expansion of recreational harvest opportunities for hatchery steelhead.
Preseason forecasts for steelhead returning to Bonneville Dam in 2024 was 89,900 A-index and 32,200 B-index fish. During an Oct. 7 meeting, the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the expected run size abundance at Bonneville Dam to 122,100 A-index and 49,900 B-index steelhead.
Rules and regulations, including bag limits, may vary by location. Anglers should review the emergency fishing rules or Fish Washington® mobile app for the area they plan to fish before heading out. Anglers can be notified of any in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW regulation updates.
Sept. 20, 2024 — Daily limit reduced from two to one coho salmon in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) beginning Monday, Sept. 23
The daily limit will be reduced from two to one coho salmon in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) beginning Monday, Sept. 23, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers announced today.
“The daily retention limit in Marine Area 7 is being reduced to allow the fishery to continue without putting attainment of conservation objectives or international treaty obligations at risk,” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s Intergovernmental Salmon Manager. “The coho catch to date has greatly surpassed the pre-season projections for the months of August and September, and catches rates typically remain strong throughout September.”
In Marine Area 7, an estimated 9,763 anglers retained 12,456 coho from Sept. 1–15, which is 186% of the preseason total catch prediction, including 187% of marked coho and 182% of unmarked coho.
Marine Area 7 consists of waters south of the Canadian border containing the San Juan Islands, Haro Strait, Rosario Strait, Bellingham Bay, the southern Strait of Georgia, and the northeastern portion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Salmon fishing in Marine Area 7 is open daily through Sept. 29. The daily limit of one salmon takes effect on Monday, Sept. 23. No minimum size limit. Release Chinook, sockeye and chum. For more information on the regulation change, go to the WDFW emergency rules webpage.
Anglers who move to a different marine area to continue fishing after retaining fish in Marine Area 7 need to be aware that all fish onboard must be legal to retain in the area they resume fishing in. WDFW Police will be patrolling these marine areas and if this violation is observed a ticket may be issued and fish unlawful to retain in the area the vessel is currently fishing may be seized. You may transit through an area with fish legal to retain in Marine Area 7 or other areas without stopping to fish.
Detailed information on Puget Sound coho fishing options was shared on March 28 during the North of Falcon #2 meeting and is available in this recording on YouTube.
Other ongoing salmon fisheries, including Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point), Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca), and Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) are open daily for a hatchery coho-directed fishery. Marine Area 8–1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay) and Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) are open daily for a non-selective coho fishery. In Marine Area 8–2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner), excluding the Tulalip Terminal Area and Tulalip Bay, is open daily for a hatchery coho-directed fishery. Bellingham Bay, Sinclair Inlet and Port Orchard are open daily for salmon fishing. The Dungeness Bay hatchery coho-directed fishery is open daily from Oct. 1–31.
Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is open daily for all coho and hatchery Chinook (hatchery Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attained). Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) is open daily for salmon fishing, and anglers should check for specific rules and what types of salmon may be retained. Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) is open year-round for salmon fishing, and anglers should check for specific rules and what types of salmon may be retained.
For details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
WDFW meets regularly with the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group to share sampling data and hear their recommendations for fisheries that offer good opportunities for anglers while staying within conservation guidelines. The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping fishing seasons. The advisory group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the WDFW North of Falcon webpage. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources.
WDFW fishery managers continue to call on salmon anglers to submit voluntary Salmon Trip Reports to help to increase the amount of data available for in-season management. These trip reports are just one tool in a suite of options fisheries managers use to collect biological and fishery data for Puget Sound salmon. Other monitoring tools include dockside sampling, test fishing, and boat surveys. Anglers can complete the voluntary Salmon Trip Report Form online or visit the WDFW website to download a paper copy.
Sept. 11, 2024 — Chinook retention to reopen at Buoy 10 on Sept. 12; fishing days added in Columbia River from Warrior Rock to Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco
Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington took joint state action Tuesday, Sept. 10 to reopen Chinook retention at Buoy 10 effective Thursday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 22. The fishery, which extends from Buoy 10 at the mouth of the Columbia River to a line at the west end of Puget Island, was closed to Chinook retention after Sept. 3 under permanent rules. Additionally, anglers can keep three fish from Sept. 22 through Oct. 31.
When the fishery is open, anglers may keep a daily limit of three adult salmon, though only one may be a Chinook (hatchery or wild). Anglers must release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and hatchery coho. The fishery will return to hatchery coho only after Sept. 22 with a daily limit of three hatchery coho.
The decision to reopen the popular Buoy 10 Chinook fishery comes a day after the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) upgraded their run size projection of adult fall Chinook returning to the Columbia River’s mouth to 588,350. The updated run size projection is 7% higher than the preseason forecast of 551,800 adult fall Chinook.
“We’re excited to offer additional opportunity at Buoy 10 and other stretches of the river,” said Ryan Lothrop, WDFW’s Columbia River Fisheries Manager. “There is room within our allowable harvest limits to provide additional opportunity in certain areas as we reopen these fisheries.”
Anglers are reminded that the stretch of river from West Puget Island upstream to Warrior Rock will close after Wednesday, Sept. 11 and remain closed to all salmon and steelhead fishing through Sept. 30 under permanent rules. Hatchery coho retention reopens beginning Oct. 1.
Fishery managers also took action to extend fishing days on the Columbia River, from Warrior Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam, and from Bonneville Dam to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco, through Sunday, Sept. 22. Originally, all salmon fishing in these areas was scheduled to close after Sunday, Sept. 15, with coho fishing reopening Oct. 1.
Starting Monday, Sept. 16, anglers may retain a daily limit of two adult salmon in the stretch of river from Warrior Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam, though only one may be a Chinook (hatchery or wild). From Bonneville Dam upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco, the daily limit is two salmon (Chinook or coho), but only one may be a Chinook. Wild coho caught downstream of the Hood River Bridge must be released.
Fishery managers will monitor the run size to determine if additional opportunities can be considered. The U.S. v. Oregon TAC is expected to meet again Monday, Sept. 16.
Regulations may be modified in-season as more data becomes available about actual returns, so anglers should review the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet or Fish Washington mobile app for the water they plan to fish, as well as check the emergency rule changes before heading out.
Anglers can be notified of any in-season rule changes as they are announced by signing up for Columbia River Compact and WDFW regulation updates. For more information, visit the Columbia River recreational fishing webpage or Southwest Washington fishing webpage.
September 5, 2024 –Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) salmon daily limit will be increased to two hatchery Chinook beginning Friday, Sept. 6
Salmon anglers in Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) may keep two hatchery Chinook salmon as part of their two salmon daily limit beginning Friday, Sept. 6, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.
Estimates of the catch in Marine Area 11 through Sunday, Sept. 2, indicate that the fishery has reached 66% of the hatchery Chinook quota (2,214 of 3,379), 85% of the total unmarked wild fish encounter (1,733 of 2,029) and 53% of the sublegal fish encounter (3,102 of 5,907) agreed to in the List of Agreed Fisheries. Sublegal fish are Chinook under the 22-inch minimum size limit. Data also indicates a 40% hatchery-mark rate for Chinook, and the “catch per unit effort” has continued to drop during the past few weeks.
The hatchery Chinook fishery in Marine Area 11 — from the northern tip of Vashon Island to the northernmost part of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge — is open daily through Sept. 30. The daily limit is two salmon, and anglers may retain up to two hatchery Chinook beginning Friday, Sept. 6. Chinook minimum size limit is 22 inches. Release chum and wild Chinook. Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attained.
The Marine Area 11 salmon fishery remains open daily from Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 with a two salmon daily limit; release all Chinook. In Marine Areas 5 through 13, it is illegal to bring salmon aboard a vessel if it is unlawful to retain that salmon. “Aboard a vessel” is defined as inside the gunwale (upper edge of the side of a boat) and is to reduce further stress or possible mortality.
Other ongoing salmon fisheries, including Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point), Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca), and Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) are open daily for a hatchery coho-directed fishery. Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands), Marine Area 8–1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay), Marine Area 8–2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner), and Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) are open daily for a non-selective coho fishery.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) is open daily for salmon fishing, and anglers should check for specific rules and the type of salmon species that may be retained. Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) is open year-round for salmon fishing, and anglers should check for specific rules and the type of salmon species that may be retained.
For details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. View the Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas for more information on specific marine areas and dates. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
WDFW meets regularly with the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group to share sampling data and hear their recommendations for fisheries that offer good opportunities for anglers while staying within conservation guidelines. The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping fishing seasons. The advisory group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the WDFW North of Falcon webpage. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources.
WDFW fishery managers continue to call on salmon anglers to submit voluntary Salmon Trip Reports to help to increase the amount of data available for in-season management. These trip reports are just one tool in a suite of options fisheries managers use to collect biological and fishery data for Puget Sound salmon. Other monitoring tools include dockside sampling, test fishing, and boat surveys. Anglers can complete the voluntary Salmon Trip Report Form online or visit the WDFW website to download a paper copy.
Sept. 3, 2024 — Chinook season closes at Buoy 10 after Tuesday, Sept. 3; rule update for Columbia River (Puget Island to Warrior Rock)
This year’s Buoy 10 fishery kicked off Aug. 1 with usual fanfare, drawing anglers from near and far to participate in the popular salmon fishery near the mouth of the Columbia River. Despite some unseasonable weather, preliminary catch rates have been within preseason expectations, and a strong run of fall Chinook has led to consistent bites.
As of Friday, Aug. 30, Buoy 10 anglers could retain one unclipped Chinook as part of their daily bag limit. However, after Tuesday, Sept. 3, the area will close to Chinook retention under permanent rules. Anglers may continue to harvest hatchery coho through Dec. 31, but they are required to release all other wild salmon and steelhead.
From Aug. 1–29, Buoy 10 operated mark-selectively, meaning only marked (adipose fin-clipped) fish could be kept, with unmarked fish being released. This approach allowed fishery managers to offer more fishing days while also providing a 5-day non-mark-selective fishery over the Labor Day weekend.
For Buoy 10 fishing reports, including catch data, visit the Columbia River recreational fishing webpage.
West Puget Island to Warrior Rock
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 5 through Sept. 11, anglers fishing for salmon from West Puget Island upstream to Warrior Rock will be required to release all unmarked Chinook under permanent rules. Only hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho may be kept in this section of the river, with a daily limit of two adults, though only one may be a hatchery Chinook. Anglers must release all steelhead.
This rule, noted in the annual fishing pamphlet, allows WDFW to provide angling opportunity while limiting the impact on wild tule Chinook returning to lower tributaries. Between Aug. 1 through Sept. 4, unclipped Chinook could be retained in this area.
Anglers are reminded that salmon fishing will be closed from West Puget Island to Warrior Rock from Sept. 12 through Sept. 30 and from Warrior Rock to the Oregon/Washington border from Sept. 16 through Sept. 30. These lower Columbia River closures are necessary to keep harvests of upriver bright Chinook within limitations.
Over 100,000 adult fall Chinook have been counted at Bonneville Dam, however it’s too early for the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to provide an updated run-size assessment for upriver fall Chinook. Preseason forecasts called for 551,800 to return to the Columbia River’s mouth.
Fishery managers will monitor the run size to determine if any additional opportunities can be considered. Updated run sizes are typically available in mid-September.
Regulations may be modified in-season as more data becomes available about actual returns, so anglers should review the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet or Fish Washington mobile app for the water they plan to fish, as well as check the emergency rule changes before heading out.
Anglers can be notified of any in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for Columbia River Compact and WDFW regulation updates.
Releasing salmon properly
Mark selective regulation fisheries provide for hatchery salmon to be retained while also reducing the wild fish impacts. This approach has become increasingly important to providing recreational fishing opportunities in Washington.
To ensure these salmon fisheries are successful long-term, it is vital that anglers do their part to comply with all regulations, especially how to properly release unmarked and out-of-season fish to improve their survival.
For more information, watch our YouTube video on safe salmon handling or read our blog post about how to properly release salmon.
Aug. 30, 2024 — Daily limit reduced from two to one coho salmon in Marine Area 8–2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3
The daily limit will be reduced from two to one coho salmon in Marine Area 8–2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers announced today.
“The coho catch to date in August has greatly exceeded the pre-season projected catch for the entire month, with even larger catches expected in the September marine and freshwater sport fisheries,” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s Intergovernmental Salmon Manager. “The daily retention limit is being reduced to allow the fishery to continue without putting other fisheries or attainment of conservation objectives at risk.”
In Marine Area 8–2, 2,290 anglers from Aug. 19–25, had an estimated landed catch of 2,197 coho, more than three times higher than the previous week’s estimate.
While federal fisheries managers declared the Snohomish River coho run “rebuilt to a sustainable level” in 2023, conservation concerns remain and keeping impacts at a sustainable level is important to continue recovering coho in this watershed. Detailed information on Puget Sound coho fishing options was shared on March 28 during the North of Falcon #2 meeting and is available in this recording on YouTube.
In Marine Area 8–2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner), east of East Point Light-Camano Island Light line and north of the Possession Point-Shipwreck line (excluding the Tulalip Terminal Area and Tulalip Bay), salmon fishing is open daily through Sept. 24. The daily limit of one salmon takes effect on Tuesday, Sept. 3. No minimum size limit. Release Chinook and chum. For more information on the regulation change on the WDFW emergency rules webpage.
Anglers who move to a different marine area to continue fishing after retaining fish in Marine Area 8–2 need to be aware that all fish onboard must be legal to retain in the area they resume fishing in. WDFW Police will be patrolling these marine areas and if this violation is observed a ticket may be issued and fish unlawful to retain in the area the vessel is currently fishing may be seized. You may transit through an area with fish legal to retain in Marine Area 8–2 or other areas without stopping to fish.
Other ongoing salmon fisheries, including Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point), Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca), and Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) are open daily for a hatchery coho-directed fishery. Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) is open daily for hatchery coho through Aug. 31, and then open for a non-selective coho fishery beginning Sept. 1. Marine Area 8–1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay) and Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) are open daily for a non-selective coho fishery.
Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is open daily through Sept. 30 for all coho and hatchery Chinook (hatchery Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attained). Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) is open daily for salmon fishing, and anglers should check for specific rules and what types of salmon may be retained. Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) is open year-round for salmon fishing, and anglers should check for specific rules and what types of salmon may be retained.
For details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
WDFW meets regularly with the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group to share sampling data and hear their recommendations for fisheries that offer good opportunities for anglers while staying within conservation guidelines. The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping fishing seasons. The advisory group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the WDFW North of Falcon webpage. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources.
WDFW fishery managers continue to call on salmon anglers to submit voluntary Salmon Trip Reports to help to increase the amount of data available for in-season management. These trip reports are just one tool in a suite of options fisheries managers use to collect biological and fishery data for Puget Sound salmon. Other monitoring tools include dockside sampling, test fishing, and boat surveys. Anglers can complete the voluntary Salmon Trip Report Form online or visit the WDFW website to download a paper copy.
Anglers asked to be respectful to WDFW dockside sampling staff
Salmon anglers who encounter WDFW dockside sampling staff are asked to be respectful and cooperative when approached at boat ramps, marinas, and dockside. WDFW dockside creel surveyors are easily identified by their agency logo or a bright reflective orange vest.
“Creel data gathered from anglers is integral to maintaining fishing opportunities,” said Lt. Kit Rosenberger with WDFW’s Enforcement program. “I’d like to remind anglers that they’re required to comply in answering WDFW creel samplers’ questions and with directions of Department staff when they are collecting sampling data or material from fish. During our busy summer salmon fisheries, the public can expect an increased presence of WDFW enforcement officers on the water and docks, focusing on fishing regulation compliance and keeping people safe on the water.”
WDFW dockside sampling staff are not part of the salmon fishery decision-making process and the enforcement of regulations. Their work provides valuable information about salmon populations in our local waters including insights into the species’ life history, migration, growth, and abundance.
WDFW samplers will ask basic questions including what time each angler started fishing and when they stopped fishing, and about salmon and other fish species they kept or released. If anglers keep salmon, samplers will ask to measure fish and take scale samples. In some cases, if a coded wire tag is present in the fish’s head sampling staff may keep the snout.
It is unlawful for any person to fail to relinquish upon request to the Department any fish tag or any part of a salmon or other food fish containing coded wire tags, including but not limited to, the snouts of salmon marked with clipped adipose fins.
There have been several reported incidents relating to negative interactions with recreational anglers this summer. Negative or threatening treatment of WDFW dockside sampling staff may affect the ability to conduct sampling programs and to offer future fishery opportunities.
If you witness or encounter any types of incidents, please contact the WILDCOMM Communications Center at WILDCOMM@dfw.wa.gov or 360–902–2936 and select Option 1.
Aug. 29, 2024 — Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) and Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) to reopen for salmon fishing on Wednesday, Sept. 4 only; Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) to close after Monday, Sept. 2
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) and Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) will reopen for salmon fishing on Wednesday, Sept. 4 only, and Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) to close after Monday, Sept. 2, until further notice, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers announced today.
“It was determined that enough coho remained in the recreational catch quota to reopen Marine Areas 1 and 2 for one day of salmon fishing,” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s Intergovernmental Salmon Manager. “In Marine Area 4, we’re nearing the allowable coho catch quota, therefore it is necessary to close the fishery. We’ve seen very good coho catches in the ocean recreational salmon fishery this summer.”
Catch estimates for Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) through Sunday, Aug. 25, have reached 96% of the hatchery coho quota (38,396 of 39,900) and 53% of the Chinook guideline (6,629 of 12,510). The catch per angler trip from Aug. 19–25 was 0.18 for Chinook and 0.95 for coho for a total of 1.13.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) through Sunday, Aug. 25, have reached 97% of the hatchery coho quota (28,619 of 29,530) and 63% of the Chinook guideline (10,928 of 17,430). The catch per angler trip from Aug. 19–25 was 0.23 for Chinook and 1.10 for coho for a total of 1.33.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) through Sunday, Aug. 25, have reached 79% of the hatchery coho quota (6,533 of 8,300) and 65% of the Chinook guideline (6,089 of 9,430). The catch per angler trip from Aug. 19–25 was 0.08 for Chinook and 1.30 for coho for a total of 1.38.
Salmon fishing in Marine Areas 1 and 2 will reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 4 only, and then be closed until further notice. In Marine Areas 1 and 2, anglers can retain one Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all wild coho.
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 4 is open daily through Monday, Sept. 2, and then be closed until further notice. In Marine Area 4, anglers can retain up to two Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 24 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all chum and wild coho.
Marine Area 3 (La Push) is closed for salmon fishing, until further notice. The Buoy 10 fishery at the Columbia River mouth is an option for late-summer salmon and is located just outside of the Port of Ilwaco. For catch information, refer to the ocean sport salmon report and the Buoy 10 fishing report, which are usually updated by WDFW once a week.
For salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Aug. 21, 2024 — Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) to close for salmon fishing after Saturday, Aug. 24
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) to close after Saturday, Aug. 24, after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined the recreational coho catch total was nearing the allowable quota.
“Coho catches in the ocean recreational salmon fishery this summer have been very good,” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s Intergovernmental Salmon Manager. “Marine Area 2 is nearing the total allowable coho catch quota, therefore it is necessary to close the fishery.”
Catch estimates for Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) through Sunday, Aug. 18, have reached 89% of the hatchery coho quota (26,420 of 29,530) and 60% of the Chinook guideline (10,464 of 17,430). The catch per angler trip from Aug. 12–18 was 0.36 for Chinook and 1.38 for coho for a total of 1.71.
In Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) — encompassing the area from Leadbetter Point at the north end of Long Beach north to the Queets River — salmon fishing will close after Saturday, Aug. 24, until further notice. During the closure it is illegal to possess salmon onboard a vessel in Marine Area 2, including in transit.
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) remains open daily for salmon fishing through Sept. 15 and could close earlier if the quota/guideline are projected to be met. The ocean off the Columbia River mouth at Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) is open for salmon fishing through Thursday, Aug. 22, then closed until further notice. Salmon fishing in Marine Area 3 (La Push) is closed until further notice.
In Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay), anglers can retain up to two Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 24 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all chum and wild coho.
In Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco), anglers can retain one Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all wild coho.
The Buoy 10 fishery at the Columbia River mouth is another option for late-summer salmon and is located just outside of the Port of Ilwaco.
For details on coastal salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. For catch information, refer to the ocean sport salmon report, which are usually updated by WDFW once a week. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Aug. 19, 2024 — Marine Area 3 (La Push) to close for salmon fishing after Tuesday, Aug. 20, other coastal ports to remain open
Salmon fishing in the ocean in Marine Area 3 (La Push) to close after Tuesday, Aug. 20, after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined the recreational coho catch total was nearing the allowable quota.
“We have seen strong coho catches in the ocean recreational salmon fishery this summer,” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s Intergovernmental Salmon Manager. “Marine Area 3 (La Push) is nearing the total allowable coho catch quota, therefore it is necessary to close the fishery after Tuesday (Aug. 20).”
Catch estimates for Marine Area 3 through Sunday, Aug. 18, have reached 96% of the hatchery coho quota (1,978 of 2,070) and 40% of the Chinook guideline (652 of 1,630).
In Marine Area 3, salmon fishing remains closed after Aug. 20, until further notice. During the closure it is illegal to possess salmon onboard a vessel in Marine Area 3, including in transit.
Other coastal ports including Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) and Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) remain open daily for salmon fishing through Sept. 15. Both marine areas could close earlier if quotas/guidelines are projected to be met. Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) is open for salmon fishing through Thursday, Aug. 22.
In Marine Area 4, anglers can retain up to two Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 24 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all chum and wild coho.
In Marine Area 2 and Marine Area 1, anglers can retain one Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all wild coho.
The popular Buoy 10 fishery at the Columbia River mouth is another option for late-summer salmon and is located just outside of the Port of Ilwaco.
For details on coastal salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. For catch information, refer to the ocean sport salmon report, and are usually updated by WDFW once a week. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Aug. 16, 2024 — Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) to reopen for salmon fishing Aug. 19–22, other coastal ports also remain open
Salmon fishing in the ocean around the mouth of the Columbia in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) to reopen Aug. 19–22, after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined enough coho remained in the allowable recreational catch quota.
“Coho fishing has been hot in all four ocean areas, and we have to manage these fisheries carefully as they approach their season quotas,” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s Intergovernmental Salmon Manager.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 1 through Sunday, Aug. 11, have reached 90% of the hatchery coho quota (36,072 of 39,900) and 50% of the Chinook guideline (6,210 of 12,510). The catch per unit effort for angler trips was 1.23 salmon (0.24 for Chinook and 1.00 for hatchery coho) during the week of Aug. 5–11.
In Marine Area 1, salmon fishing remains closed Aug. 15–18 and Aug. 23, until further notice. During the closure it is illegal to possess salmon onboard a vessel in Marine Area 1, including in transit.
When the Marine Area 1 salmon fishery reopens Aug. 19–22, anglers can retain one Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all wild coho.
Other coastal ports including Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay), Marine Area 3 (La Push), and Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) remain open daily for salmon fishing through Sept. 15. All three marine areas could close earlier if quotas/guidelines are projected to be met.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 4 through Sunday, Aug. 11, have reached 39% of the hatchery coho harvest quota (3,264 of 8,300) and 60% of the Chinook guideline (5,700 of 9,430); Marine Area 3 has reached 61% of the hatchery coho quota (1,265 of 2,070) and 36% of the Chinook guideline (592 of 1,630); and Marine Area 2 has reached 73% of the hatchery coho quota (21,448 of 29,530) and 53% of the Chinook guideline (9,288 of 17,430).
In Marine Area 4 and Marine Area 3, anglers can retain up to two Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 24 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all chum and wild coho.
In Marine Area 2, anglers can retain one Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all wild coho.
For catch information, refer to the ocean sport salmon quota report, and they’re usually updated by WDFW once a week. The popular Buoy 10 fishery at the Columbia River mouth is another option for late-summer salmon and is located just outside of the Port of Ilwaco.
Puget Sound salmon fishery options
In Puget Sound, Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is open daily through Sept. 30 for coho and hatchery Chinook (hatchery Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attainted). The Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca) — west of a true north/south line through the #2 Buoy immediately east of Ediz Hook — hatchery Chinook fishery ends on Aug. 15, and all of Marine Area 6 switches to a hatchery coho directed fishery beginning Aug. 16. Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point), Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) and Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) are open daily for a hatchery coho directed fishery. Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) is open daily for coho.
WDFW meets regularly with the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group to share sampling data and hear their recommendations for fisheries that offer good opportunities for anglers while staying within conservation guidelines. The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping fishing seasons. The advisory group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
To support conservation objectives, in areas where multiple salmon stocks overlap — throughout Puget Sound — state and tribal fisheries managers must abide by harvest quotas and allowable impacts that are federally approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service based on agreed-upon run forecasts prior to the fishing season.
Given this federal oversight and the challenge of accurately assessing individual salmon stocks in a mixed-stock system, WDFW cannot increase salmon harvest quotas or encounter limits while fishing seasons are underway. However, salmon managers can add or extend fishing opportunities when available salmon harvest quota and encounter limits allow, as is the case with this extension.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the WDFW North of Falcon webpage. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources.
For details on salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
WDFW fishery managers continue to call on salmon anglers to submit voluntary Salmon Trip Reports to help to increase the amount of data available for in-season management. These trip reports are just one tool in a suite of options fisheries managers use to collect biological and fishery data for Puget Sound salmon. Other monitoring tools include dockside sampling, test fishing, and boat surveys. Anglers can complete the voluntary Salmon Trip Report Form online or visit the WDFW website to download a paper copy.
Aug. 8, 2024 — Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) to close for salmon fishing after Sunday, Aug. 11, other coastal ports to remain open
Salmon fishing in the ocean around the mouth of the Columbia in Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) to close after Sunday, Aug. 11, after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined the recreational coho catch total was nearing the allowable quota.
“We have seen strong coho catches in the ocean recreational salmon fishery this summer, particularly in the Columbia River Area (Marine Area 1),” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s Intergovernmental Salmon Manager. “Marine Area 1 is nearing the total allowable coho catch quota, therefore it is necessary to close the fishery after this weekend.”
Catch estimates for Marine Area 1 through Sunday, Aug. 4, have reached 73% of the hatchery coho quota (29,028 of 39,900) and 36% of the Chinook guideline (4,531 of 12,510). The projected coho harvest from Aug. 5–11 is 10,420 and would leave 452 coho in the catch quota. The catch per unit effort for angler trips was 1.41 for Chinook and hatchery coho during the week of July 29 through Aug. 4.
The Marine Area 1 closure prohibits salmon possession aboard vessels between Cape Falcon and Leadbetter Point when the closure takes effect on Aug. 12.
Other coastal ports including Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay), Marine Area 3 (La Push), and Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) remain open daily for salmon fishing through Sept. 15. All three marine areas could close earlier if quotas/guidelines are projected to be met.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 4 through Sunday, Aug. 4, have reached 31% of the hatchery coho harvest quota (2,585 of 8,300) and 58% of the Chinook guideline (5,434 of 9,430); Marine Area 3 has reached 34% of the hatchery coho quota (696 of 2,070) and 30% of the Chinook guideline (485 of 1,630); and Marine Area 2 has reached 56% of the hatchery coho quota (16,637 of 29,530) and 46% of the Chinook guideline (7,969 of 17,430).
In Marine Area 4 and Marine Area 3, anglers can retain up to two Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 24 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all chum and wild coho.
In Marine Area 2, anglers can retain one Chinook as part of their two salmon daily limit. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Hatchery coho minimum size is 16 inches. Other salmon have no minimum size restriction. Anglers must release all wild coho.
The popular Buoy 10 fishery at the Columbia River mouth is another option for late-summer salmon and is located just outside of the Port of Ilwaco.
For details on coastal salmon fishing regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. For catch information, refer to the ocean sport salmon report, and are usually updated by WDFW once a week. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Aug. 8, 2024 — Chinook salmon fishery in Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) to reopen Aug. 11–12, and Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) to reopen Aug. 13
Chinook salmon fishing in Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) to reopen Aug. 11–12, and Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) to reopen Aug. 13, after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined enough summer Chinook remained in the recreational catch quota.
“The summer Chinook fisheries have been successful, and we’ve got additional openers in Marine Areas 7 and 10,” said Kelly Cunningham, WDFW’s Director of Fish Program. “Many marine areas are also open for coho fishing. More coho are beginning to show up in catches around Puget Sound and the coho forecast should provide fishing opportunities well into the fall timeframe.”
Catch estimates for Marine Area 10 indicate the fishery through Sunday, Aug. 4, has reached 76% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (2,392 of 3,166) and 68% of sublegal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — (4,427 of 6,477). Marine Area 10 has seen record catch-per-day numbers during the 2024 Chinook openers, with an average of 339 Chinook harvested each day.
In Marine Area 10 during the Aug. 11–12 fishery, the Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. The daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Anglers must release all chum, sockeye, and wild Chinook. There are some pockets of summertime salmon fishing closures within Marine Area 10; refer to the 2024–25 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details.
Marine Area 10 is also open daily for non-selective coho now through Sept. 30 with no minimum size restriction. The daily limit is two salmon. Anglers must release all Chinook, sockeye, and chum. From Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 there is no minimum size restriction; daily limit is two salmon; and anglers must release all Chinook.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) indicate the fishery through Sunday, Aug. 4, has reached 92% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (1,997 of 2,181), 40% of unmarked encounters (1,523 of 3,845), and 53% of sublegal encounters (1,142 of 2,141).
In Marine Area 7 during the Aug. 13 fishery, the Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. The daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Anglers must release all chum, sockeye, wild Chinook, and wild coho.
Marine Area 7 is also open daily through Aug. 31 for hatchery coho with no minimum size restriction. The daily limit is two salmon. Anglers must release all Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho; and Sept. 1–29 for a nonselective coho directed fishery with no minimum size restriction. The daily limit is two salmon. Anglers must release all Chinook, sockeye, and chum.
Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is open daily through Sept. 30 (hatchery Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attainted). The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. The daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Anglers must release all chum and wild Chinook; and Oct. 1-Nov. 15 no minimum size restriction. The daily limit is two salmon. Anglers must release all Chinook.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 11 indicate the fishery through Sunday, Aug. 4, has reached 28% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (948 of 3,379), 8% of sublegal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — (497 of 5,907), and 34% of the unmarked encounters (696 of 2,029).
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) and Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) are open for coho fishing. Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca) — west of a true north/south line through the #2 Buoy immediately east of Ediz Hook — is open through Aug. 15 for retention of hatchery-marked Chinook and coho. Through Sunday, Aug. 4, the estimated legal-size encounters in Marine Area 6 has reached 67% (7,484 of 11,173 total guideline). Another portion of Marine Area 6 is also open for coho fishing only.
For salmon fishing rules and regulations, refer to the WDFW webpage or the 2024–25 WDFW regulation pamphlet. View the Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas for more information on specific marine areas and dates. To view a map of saltwater fishing locations, go to the WDFW marine area webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
WDFW meets regularly with the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group to share sampling data and hear their recommendations for fisheries that offer good opportunities for anglers while staying within conservation guidelines. The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping fishing seasons. The advisory group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
To support conservation objectives, in areas where multiple salmon stocks overlap — throughout Puget Sound — state and tribal fisheries managers must abide by harvest quotas and allowable impacts that are federally approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service based on agreed-upon run forecasts prior to the fishing season.
Given this federal oversight and the challenge of accurately assessing individual salmon stocks in a mixed-stock system, WDFW cannot increase salmon harvest quotas or encounter limits while fishing seasons are underway. However, salmon managers can add or extend fishing opportunities when available salmon harvest quota and encounter limits allow, as is the case with this extension.
Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon and information can be found on the WDFW North of Falcon webpage.
WDFW fishery managers continue to call on salmon anglers to submit voluntary Salmon Trip Reports to help to increase the amount of data available for in-season management. These trip reports are just one tool in a suite of options fisheries managers use to collect biological and fishery data for Puget Sound salmon. Other monitoring tools include dockside sampling, test fishing, and boat surveys. Anglers can complete the voluntary Salmon Trip Report Form online or visit the WDFW website to download a paper copy.
Anglers asked to be respectful to WDFW dockside sampling staff
Salmon anglers who encounter WDFW dockside sampling staff are asked to be respectful and cooperative when approached at boat ramps, marinas, and dockside. WDFW dockside creel surveyors are easily identified by their agency logo or a bright reflective orange vest.
“Creel data gathered from anglers is integral to maintaining fishing opportunities,” said Lt. Kit Rosenberger with WDFW’s enforcement program. “I’d like to remind anglers that they’re required to comply in answering WDFW creel samplers’ questions and with directions of Department staff when they are collecting sampling data or material from fish. During our busy summer salmon fisheries, the public can expect an increased presence of WDFW enforcement officers on the water and docks, focusing on fishing regulation compliance and keeping people safe on the water.”
WDFW dockside sampling staff are not part of the salmon fishery decision-making process and the enforcement of regulations. Their work provides valuable information about salmon populations in our local waters including insights into the salmon species’ life history, migration, growth, and abundance.
WDFW samplers will ask basic questions including what time each angler started fishing and when they stopped fishing, and about salmon and other fish species they kept or released. If anglers keep salmon, they will be asked to measure fish and take scale samples. In some cases, if a coded wire tag is present in the fish’s head sampling staff may keep it.
It is unlawful for any person to fail to relinquish upon request to the Department any fish tag or any part of a salmon or other food fish containing coded wire tags, including but not limited to, the snouts of those salmon that are marked by having clipped adipose fins.
There have been several reported incidents relating to negative interactions with recreational anglers in a two-month period this summer. Negative or threatening treatment of WDFW dockside sampling staff may affect the ability to conduct sampling programs and to offer future fishery opportunities.
If you witness or encounter any types of incidents, please contact the WILDCOMM Communications Center at WILDCOMM@dfw.wa.gov or 360–902–2936 Option 1.
