The Salmon Fishing Current blog provides early-summer salmon updates this season
Latest post: As coho fisheries ramp up, anglers are reminded about retention rules.
As part of the ongoing summer and fall salmon fishing season, WDFW has created 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.
Early-summer salmon updates
Find more late-summer updates in our new Salmon Fishing Current blog thread.
August 5, 2024 — As coho fisheries ramp up, anglers are reminded about retention rules.
July 31, 2024 — Chinook salmon fishery in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands), Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet), and Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton Area) to reopen Sunday, Aug. 4 for a one-day fishery; Marine Area 5 closes to Chinook retention Aug. 1.
July 24, 2024 — Chinook salmon fishery in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) to reopen Friday, July 26.
July 22, 2024 — Four marine areas of Puget Sound saw good Chinook fishing on July 18–20 from Port Townsend south to the Tacoma-Narrows Bridge area.
July 17, 2024 — Stretch of Columbia River mainstem closed for Chinook effective July 20; Wenatchee River will not open Aug. 1.
July 16, 2024 — Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery to open July 22 amid strong returns.
July 12, 2024 — This year’s Columbia River sockeye run is one for the record books; Skagit River sockeye fishery also extended through July 24.
July 12, 2024 — Four marine areas in Puget Sound open July 18–20 for hatchery Chinook fishing; Chinook daily limit to increase in Marine Areas 4 and 3 beginning July 13.
July 2, 2024 — Sockeye run upgraded, but retention remains closed in Lower Columbia River.
June 28, 2024 — Marine Areas 5 and 6 in the Strait of Juan de Fuca open for salmon fishing July 1.
June 20, 2024 — Additional Marine Area 11 salmon fishing opportunity for remainder of this month and daily limit increases to two hatchery Chinook salmon beginning June 21.
Learn more about WDFW pre-season planning and in-season salmon management.
August 5, 2024 — As coho fisheries ramp up, anglers are reminded about retention rules
While Chinook are the big focus of mid-summer salmon fisheries across Washington’s marine areas, as we move further into August, coho — also known as silver salmon — are hot on their tails.
Several areas, including Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Areas 8–1 and 8–2, and Marine Area 9, are scheduled to be open daily for coho retention in August and September. See the Fish Washington mobile app or fishing regulations for details.
Salmon anglers should review the regulations closely as retention of wild or unmarked coho is prohibited in marine areas 5, 6, 7 and 9 in August. Dates when wild coho retention is allowed in September vary by marine area. Marine Area 5, while still open for coho, closed to Chinook retention on Aug. 1.
Marine Area 9 remains closed to retention of wild coho through Sept. 23 due to the continued need to limit impacts on the vulnerable wild-origin Snohomish River coho run in this mixed stock marine area where angler effort is very high.
While federal fisheries managers declared this run “rebuilt to a sustainable level” in 2023, conservation concerns remain and keeping impacts at a sustainable level is important to continue recovering Snohomish coho. 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.
Unless otherwise announced, wild coho may be retained in Marine Area 10 and Marine Area 11 when salmon fishing is open. Wild coho retention is closed year-round in Marine Area 13.
Anglers should also be aware that it is not legal to fish in an area if there are fresh fish onboard the vessel that are not legal to retain in that area — even if they were caught in a different area.
This rule means that if an angler legally retains a wild coho in marine area 10 this month, they cannot then continue fishing in marine areas 7 or 9 with that fish onboard the vessel while wild coho retention is closed in these areas. You may transit through an area without stopping to fish.
During 2023 fisheries, numerous anglers were ticketed for fishing in Marine Area 9 with wild coho onboard that were allegedly caught in other marine areas. 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.
For additional details on harvest and possession regulations, review the Statewide General Rules on page six of the annual Washington Sport Fishing Rules.
For those looking for more plain language information on Washington salmon management, the Key terms and suggested resources glossary from North of Falcon 2024 is also a helpful resource.
Fishing for coho salmon
Known for being acrobatic when hooked as well as fine table fare, in the Puget Sound area coho salmon runs are a mix of smaller “resident” fish who live their lives in and around the Salish Sea, and are typically caught from spring through late-summer, as well as larger migratory coho that return starting in mid-July and continue arriving through the fall — or even into winter in some areas — after spending approximately two years in the open ocean.
Part of the allure of coho fishing is that “silvers” can be found across a wide variety of depths and locations depending on their migration timing and the food sources they are pursuing. It can be just as common to catch coho casting flies, jigs or bait into waist-deep water off points, cobble beaches, or eelgrass flats as it is to find them while trolling or mooching deep offshore areas.
Casting green, white, pink, or purple jigs, flies, or spoons; trolling plugs or plastic squid with or without a flasher; mooching herring; and many other fishing techniques all work well for coho. Finding bait such as herring, krill, or squid, and coho that are actively feeding on the bait, is more important than using specific gear or fishing a particular depth. Coho are frequently found near the surface early in the morning or on cloudy or foggy days, moving deeper once the sun is shining. They also congregate in tidal rips and current seams that tend to concentrate bait and may be found under flocks of feeding gulls and seabirds.
Coho are schooling salmon, and where you catch one there is almost always more. Once you find fish, whether from shore or boat, try to stay on them until the tide changes or the bait moves on.
As they get closer to estuaries and freshwater, or when fall rains and big barometric pressure swings trigger their urge to spawn, coho can become less aggressive and more “lockjawed,” though some will still bite under the right conditions or gear and bait presentations.
More tips for fishing coho salmon in marine areas and estuaries are available on WDFW’s recreational salmon fishing basics webpage.
July 31, 2024 — Chinook salmon fishery in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands), Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet), and Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton Area) to reopen Sunday, Aug. 4 for a one-day fishery; Marine Area 5 closes to Chinook retention Aug. 1.
Chinook salmon fishing in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands), Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet), and Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) will reopen Sunday, Aug. 4 for a one-day fishery after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined enough summer Chinook remained in the recreational catch quota.
“We’re beginning to wrap up a successful summer Chinook fishery with an additional Aug. 4 opener in Marine Areas 7, 9, and 10,” said Kelly Cunningham, WDFW’s Director of Fish Program. “This summer is shaping up to be the highest catch-per-day year over the last decade, and we hope that by opening Areas 7, 9, and 10 concurrently that we will be able to ease effort on any specific area.”
“This month, we met several times 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,” said Cunningham. “The advisory group’s input has been key in shaping our season, and we appreciate their ongoing collaboration.”
Learn more about how the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group collaborates with WDFW staff to conserve, improve, and provide guidance in the development and management of recreational salmon fisheries within Puget Sound.
Marine Area 7
Chinook salmon fishing in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) will open Sunday, Aug. 4. Catch estimates for Marine Area 7 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 28, has reached 86% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (1,885 of 2,181), 36% of unmarked encounters (1,370 of 3,845), and 37% of sublegal encounters (783 of 2,141).
Salmon daily limit is two, including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon, no minimum size. Release chum, sockeye, wild Chinook, and wild coho.
Marine Area 7 is open daily beginning Aug. 1–31 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho); and Sept. 1–29 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, sockeye, and chum).
Marine Area 9
Chinook salmon fishing in Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) will also open Sunday, Aug. 4. Catch estimates for Marine Area 9 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 28, has reached 78% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (3,049 of 3,900).
Marine Area 9 is open daily Aug. 1-Sept. 23 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, sockeye and wild coho); and Sept. 24–30 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, sockeye and chum).
Marine Area 10
Chinook salmon fishing in Marine Areas 10 will reopen Aug. 4 to coincide with Marine Areas 7 and 9. Catch estimates for Marine Area 10 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 28, has reached 65% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (2070 of 3,166) and 61% of sublegal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — (3,920 of 6,477).
Marine Area 10 has seen record catch-per-day numbers during the 2024 Chinook openers, with an average of 345 Chinook harvested each day the fishery is open.
In Marine Area 10, the Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, sockeye and wild Chinook. There are some summertime salmon fishing closures within Marine Area 10; refer to the 2024–25 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details. Inner-Elliott Bay is also open for Chinook fishing from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5 until 12 p.m. only.
Marine Area 10 is also open daily for nonselective coho now through Sept. 30 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, sockeye and chum); and Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook).
Marine Area 5
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) closes Chinook salmon retention Aug 1–15. Catch estimates for Marine Area 5 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 28, has reached 95% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (6,235 of 6,539).
This closure does not affect the planned coho season beginning Aug. 16.
Salmon fishing in August
The popular Columbia River Buoy 10 fishery opens Aug. 1 for Chinook and coho. Anglers heading to Buoy 10 in early August will primarily encounter Chinook, while coho start returning later in August and early September. See our new Buoy 10 blog post for fishery forecasts, rules, tips, and more.
Several other marine areas are currently open for salmon fishing. Our Summer of Salmon blog post has plenty of information about good opportunities in August. Refer to the WDFW webpage or the 2024–25 WDFW regulation pamphlet for details. 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.
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.
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.
July 24, 2024 — Chinook salmon fishery in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) to reopen Friday, July 26
Chinook salmon fishing in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) to reopen Friday, July 26, after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined enough summer Chinook remained in the recreational catch quota.
“After reviewing catch estimates from the July 18–20 opener, we are able to reopen Marine Area 7 for an additional day (July 26),” said Kelly Cunningham, WDFW’s Director of Fish Program.
Catch estimates for Marine Area 7 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 21, has reached 67% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (1,465 of 2,181), 32% of unmarked encounters (1,228 of 3,845), and 26% of sublegal encounters (558 of 2,141).
Marine Area 7 is closed in July for all salmon fishing except July 26 for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. Salmon daily limit is two, including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon, no minimum size. Release chum, sockeye, wild Chinook, and wild coho.
Marine Area 7 is then open daily beginning Aug. 1–31 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho); and Sept. 1–29 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, sockeye, and chum).
Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) is closed in July for all salmon fishing except when open by emergency regulations for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. Catch estimates for Marine Area 9 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 21, has reached 78% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (3,049 of 3,900).
“We are consulting with our advisors to consider the situation for Marine Area 9,” Cunningham said. “With the record Chinook catch in Marine Area 9, we need to carefully explore the possibilities while staying within the available salmon harvest quota and/or encounter limits.”
Marine Area 9 is open daily Aug. 1-Sept. 23 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, and wild coho); and Sept. 24–30 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook and chum).
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.
Several other marine areas are currently open for salmon fishing including Marine Areas 5, 6, 10, and 11 (see blog below). Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) is also open year-round for salmon fishing.
Refer to the WDFW webpage or the 2024–25 WDFW regulation pamphlet for details. 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 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.
July 24, 2024 — Chinook salmon fisheries in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle/Bremerton Area) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) to reopen July 25–27
Chinook salmon fishing in Marine Areas 10 and 11 will reopen July 25–27 only, after Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers determined enough summer Chinook remained in the recreational catch quota.
“After reviewing catch estimates from the July 18–20 opener, we are able to reopen Marine Areas 10 and 11 for an additional three days, July 25–27,” said Kelly Cunningham, WDFW’s Director of Fish Program. “We are consulting with our advisors to consider the situation for Marine Areas 7 and 9. With the record Chinook catch in Marine Area 9, we need to carefully explore the possibilities while staying within the available salmon harvest quota and/or encounter limits. We plan on making this decision later this week.”
Catch estimates for Marine Area 10 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 21, has reached 27% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (848 of 3,166) and 28% of sublegal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — (1,804 of 6,477).
Catch estimates for Marine Area 11 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 21, has reached 9% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (315 of 3,379) and 2% of sublegal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — (119 of 5,907).
In Marine Area 10 the Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum 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. Inner-Elliott Bay is also open for Chinook fishing from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5 until 12 p.m. only.
Marine Area 10 is also open daily for nonselective coho now through Sept. 30 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook and chum); and Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook).
In Marine Area 11 the Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook.
Marine Area 11 will also be open daily from Aug. 1-Sept. 30 (hatchery Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attainted. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum and wild Chinook); and Oct. 1-Nov. 15 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook).
Marine Areas 7 and 9 Chinook catch updates
Here are the updated catch estimates for Marine Areas 7 and 9, although WDFW fishery managers still need to carefully explore the possibilities while staying within the available salmon harvest quota and will decide very soon. Marine Area 9 had a record Chinook catch sampled by WDFW fish checkers and angler effort.
Marine Area 7 is closed in July for all salmon fishing except when open by emergency regulations for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. Catch estimates for Marine Area 7 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 21, has reached 67% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (1,465 of 2,181).
Marine Area 7 is then open daily beginning Aug. 1–31 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho); and Sept. 1–29 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, sockeye, and chum).
Marine Area 9 is closed in July for all salmon fishing except when open by emergency regulations for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. Catch estimates for Marine Area 9 indicate the fishery through Sunday, July 21, has reached 78% of the hatchery Chinook harvest quota (3,049 of 3,900).
Marine Area 9 is then open daily Aug. 1-Sept. 23 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, and wild coho); and Sept. 24–30 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook and chum).
Other marine areas currently open for hatchery Chinook salmon fishing are:
- Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) in the western Strait of Juan de Fuca is open through Aug. 15 for retention of hatchery-marked Chinook and coho only. Through Sunday, July 21, the estimated legal-size encounters has reached 73% (4,763 of 6,539 total guideline).
- 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, July 21, the estimated legal-size encounters has reached 37% (4,098 of 11,173 total guideline).
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.
Several other marine areas are currently open for salmon fishing. Refer to the WDFW webpage or the 2024–25 WDFW regulation pamphlet for details. 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 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.
July 22, 2024 — Four marine areas of Puget Sound saw good Chinook fishing on July 18–20 from Port Townsend south to the Tacoma-Narrows Bridge area. WDFW will decide soon on what remains in quotas and guidelines for each marine area.
The Chinook salmon fishery in Marine Areas 7 (San Juan Islands), 9 (Admiralty Inlet), 10 (Seattle/Bremerton), and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) got off to a good start during the July 18–20 opener.
On Monday, July 22, WDFW staff were diligently putting together catch estimates from the three-day fishery on July 18–20. Those results should be available by Wednesday (July 24) and a decision could be announced soon after on what marine areas may possibly reopen on July 25–27.
Early indications from the July 18–20 opener showed that Marine Area 9 had a record angler turnout and number of fish sampled by WDFW fish checkers. Marine Area 7 also saw high angler effort.
Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) is closed in July for all salmon fishing except when open by emergency regulations for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, sockeye, wild coho, and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 2,181 (2,181 in 2023), total unmarked encounters is 3,845 (4,258 in 2023), and total sub-legal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — is 2,141 (2,544 in 2023).
Marine Area 7 is open daily beginning Aug. 1–31 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho); and Sept. 1–29 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, sockeye, and chum).
Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) is closed in July for all salmon fishing except when open by emergency regulations for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 3,900 (4,300 in 2023). The northern Hood Canal Fishery within Marine Area 9 has specific closures and restriction, so refer to the 2024–25 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details.
Marine Area 9 is then open daily Aug. 1-Sept. 23 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, and wild coho); and Sept. 24–30 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook and chum).
Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton Area) is open for hatchery Chinook fishing in July by emergency regulations only. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 3,166 (3,566 in 2023), and total sub-legal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — is 6,477 (7,748 in 2023). There are some pockets of summertime salmon fishing closures within Marine Area 10 and refer to the 2024–25 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details. Inner-Elliott Bay is also open for Chinook fishing from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5 until 12 p.m. only.
Marine Area 10 is open daily for nonselective coho now through Sept. 30 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook and chum); and Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook).
Marine Area 11 is open for hatchery Chinook fishing in July by emergency regulations only. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 3,379 (3,379 in 2023), and total sub-legal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — is 5,907 (3,845 in 2023).
Marine Area 11 is open daily from Aug. 1-Sept. 30 (Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attainted. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum and wild Chinook); and Oct. 1-Nov. 15 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook).
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.
Several other marine areas are currently open for salmon fishing and refer to the WDFW webpage or the 2024–25 WDFW regulation pamphlet for details. Click here to view the Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas and the day-by-day WDFW Puget Sound creel reports.
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.
July 17, 2024 — Stretch of Columbia River mainstem closed for Chinook effective July 20; Wenatchee River will not open Aug. 1.
The Columbia River’s Rock Island pool, located upstream of Rock Island Dam to Rocky Reach Dam, will be closed to Chinook retention effective Saturday, July 20 due to unexpectedly low returns to the Wenatchee River. The Chinook closure will be in effect through Oct. 15, though sockeye retention will remain open with a daily limit of four.
The combined hatchery and wild Chinook return to the Wenatchee River is expected to be less than 26% of the average spawning escapement of 7,600 adults. Currently, only 16% of the total broodstock needed for the Wenatchee River summer Chinook program has been collected. Typically, 43% of the total broodstock is collected by the end of the first week of July.
This in-season closure is about planning for the future. Hatchery summer Chinook in the Wenatchee River are produced from wild parents, highlighting the importance of meeting broodstock objectives and egg take goals. Achieving these goals will maximize juvenile releases next spring and help prevent similar issues in four to five years from now.
Additionally, fishery managers will not open Wenatchee River salmon season, which was set to open Aug. 1. Anglers should look for an emergency rule announcing the Wenatchee River closure in late July. This closure is to protect summer Chinook staging in the Wenatchee River.
Other areas of the Columbia River mainstem upstream from Rocky Reach Dam, including the Entiat and Chelan Falls confluences, the Wells tailrace, and Chief Joseph Dam area near Bridgeport will remain open for hatchery Chinook retention under permanent rules. Fisheries in these areas harvest hatchery Chinook returning to hatcheries where broodstock goals have already been met or are expected to be met.
For rule updates, please visit the WDFW emergency fishing rules webpage.
July 16, 2024 — Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery to open July 22 amid strong returns
The Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery in Chelan County will open Monday, July 22. The daily limit is four sockeye, minimum size 12 inches. Anglers will be required to release all bull trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon unharmed and without removing the fish from the water. Selective gear rules are in effect and up to three single barbless hooks per line, with no bait or scent allowed, and knotless nets are required. Two-pole fishing per angler is allowed with a valid two-pole endorsement. A night closure is in effect for the lake.
Based on current passage at mainstem Columbia River Dams and Tumwater Dam, WDFW projects a surplus of harvestable sockeye destined for Lake Wenatchee, well above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish. According to Lake Wenatchee sockeye escapement data that began in 1960, if the 2024 forecast of 97,000 fish actually pans out it would be the third highest recorded return. The highest sockeye returns to Lake Wenatchee are 110,693 in 2022, 99,898 in 2014 and 84,473 in 2023.
“This year’s strong return should offer great sockeye fishing on Lake Wenatchee,” said Chad Jackson, the WDFW north central fish program manager.
WDFW will monitor the fishery closely and may close on short notice if we believe we will meet our ESA impact rates. Anglers are advised to check WDFW’s emergency rules webpage routinely for updates.
When to arrive, where to park and launch at Lake Wenatchee
During the sockeye fishery, Lake Wenatchee State Park will expand park hours from 4 a.m. until dusk. Only registered campers are allowed in the park between dusk and 4 a.m. during the sockeye fishery. Please review the Lake Wenatchee State Park website for more information about park hours and fees.
The main boat launch facility is located at Lake Wenatchee State Park — a Discover Pass is required — and vehicles with boats will start lining up at the launch well before 3 a.m., so be patient. Parking is very limited and is strictly enforced — state park staff will close the entrance gate to the day use area when the lot is full. This can pose a problem for anglers who might plan to access the state park to fish in the late afternoon or evening hours.
The second option is the car topper boat launch at the Glacier View Campground — a Forest Service Recreation Pass is required to use the facility. There is also limited space to park at this day use area near the main fishing grounds on the northwest end of the lake.
Catching Lake Wenatchee sockeye
Early morning is the best time to be on the water. Most anglers use downriggers to fish for Lake Wenatchee sockeye, which can be found between 15 to 100 feet depending on the time of day and light conditions. Use an electronic fish finder to locate sockeye at those depths. Sockeye tend to school, so once you catch one stay in the area. If you don’t have a downrigger on your boat or kayak, 4- to 6-ounce weights attached to your mainline can be used to reach your target depth.
For fishing gear, use a slow-action, 8- to 9-foot baitcasting rod suitable for downrigger fishing and spooled with 30-pound test monofilament line. Popular presentations for Lake Wenatchee sockeye include two or three 2/0 bare red hooks, red or pink hoochies, red or pink flies, or similar, paired with a 6- to 8-inch dodger in chrome or pink. Leaders should be 8- to 14-inches in length with 20-pound test line.
Before dropping your gear down, make sure to look at your presentation in the water alongside of the boat while trolling to ensure your dodger is swinging gently back-and-forth, and “whipping” your lure. Then, drop your gear to your desired depth and troll at slow speeds, typically between 0.8 to 1.3 miles per hour.
Check the 2024–25 WDFW regulations pamphlet (available now at statewide tackle shops and license vendors) or on the WDFW website before you head out. For rule updates, go to the WDFW emergency fishing rules webpage.
July 12, 2024 — This year’s Columbia River sockeye run is one for the record books; Skagit River sockeye fishery also extended through July 24
The 2024 Columbia River sockeye run has officially made history with more sockeye passing Bonneville Dam than in any year since it began operations in 1938. As of Friday, July 12, the count at the dam, located near the mouth of the Columbia River, was 721,730 sockeye, surpassing the previous modern-day record of 663,253 set in 2022.
The lingering question is just how monumental this year’s run will prove to be.
Based on the latest data and projections from multiple Bonneville Dam passage models, the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has adjusted the expected return of Columbia River sockeye to the river’s mouth to 757,000 fish. This updated figure is more than double the 10-year average of 329,630 sockeye and significantly exceeds this year’s preseason forecast of 401,700. In 2023, the Columbia River sockeye run was 327,600.
With sockeye still being counted at the dam, TAC will meet again Monday, July 15, and is expected to provide further updates on the current run size.
A record run, but concerns remain
Most of the Columbia River sockeye on any given year are comprised of Okanogan Basin sockeye, followed by Lake Wenatchee sockeye. These fish are on a beeline for the upper Columbia River, with nearly 500,000 fish counted at Priest Rapids Dam, the first dam upstream of the Snake River confluence. As of Friday, July 12, 161,479 sockeye have been counted at Wells Dam, their final hydropower hurdle before reaching their spawning grounds in the Okanogan River.
While the upper Columbia River sockeye returns have been robust, concerns remain for Snake River sockeye, a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Preseason forecasts expected a return of nearly 4,000 sockeye, yet as of early July, only 250 fish have been counted at the Snake River’s Lower Granite Dam.
Before the turn of the 20th century, an estimated 150,000 sockeye returned annually to the Snake River basin. However, the populations began declining, leading to the ESA-listing of the species in 1991. The decline was attributed to overfishing, irrigation diversions, migration obstacles, and ongoing threats from hydropower development and water withdrawal.
To protect the vulnerable Snake River sockeye population, fishery managers from Oregon and Washington took joint state action on June 28 to close the retention of sockeye in the Columbia River downstream of the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco. This decision was made after the recreational allocation had been met and to help keep the summer steelhead fishery open. Since the Snake River sockeye is a listed species, non-treaty fisheries are limited to impacting only 1% of the run size. Policies in both Oregon and Washington allocate 70% of this limit to the recreational fishery.
Protecting these ESA-listed fish remains a priority for conservation efforts, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining robust sockeye numbers and ensuring the survival of vulnerable populations.
Fishing for Columbia River sockeye
Over the coming weeks, sockeye fishing in the upper Columbia River and connected watersheds will heat up, with many fisheries opened as of July 1.
The “Brewster Pool” in north-central Washington is a prime location for sockeye fishing in July. After passing Wells Dam, sockeye gather in the pool near the mouth of the Okanogan River before continuing their journey to spawn in Canada.
Another excellent sockeye fishery is Lake Wenatchee, which is expected to see a return of up to 97,000 fish based on preseason forecasts. Typically open in late July or early August depending on run size, Lake Wenatchee offers clear waters and scenic surroundings that make for an enjoyable fishing experience.
Now you know where to go, but how do you catch them? Best practices will vary from angler to angler, but the information below is a standard sockeye setup:
- Gear: Using light gear, such as a light-action, steelhead baitcasting rod measuring 8- to 10-feet in length with 20- to 30-pound monofilament or 30-pound test braided line. Sockeye have soft mouths, so a lighter setup helps avoid tearing out the hook.
- Leaders: Tie your leaders with 20- to 25-pound test and keep them relatively short, typically 12- to 18-inches. A rule of thumb for leaders is one and a half times the length of your dodger.
- Lures and dodgers: Sockeye are known to bite on small, bright-colored lures such as pink, red, purple, or chartreuse hoochies or spinners with mylar or metal blades, or sockeye flies. Tipping your lure with a whole or small piece of shrimp can also increase your chances of a bite. There’s no need to get fancy with your dodgers — try a 6- to 8-inch metal dodger in silver, pink, or chartreuse.
- Weight: Getting your gear down to the correct depth is key. Using 2- to 6-ounce weights or downriggers is the easiest way to get your gear down. Sockeye are typically present between 20 to 60 feet depending on the water temperature and time of day.
- Trolling: While bank fishing for sockeye is possible, the most effective method to catch sockeye is to troll in a boat or kayak. Trolling at slow speeds, around 0.7 to 1.2 mph, is highly effective for sockeye.
- Timing: Early morning is the best time to fish for sockeye, as they tend to be more active during the coolest part of the day. The best bite typically requires being on the water by 4 or 5 a.m.
Skagit River sockeye fishery extended
The Skagit River sockeye season fishery will remain open from July 16–24 from Skagit River from Highway 536 Bridge (Memorial Highway Bridge) in Mt. Vernon to the Dalles Bridge at Concrete, WDFW fishery managers announced.
“Given the consistent trap numbers observed over the recent week, we see opportunity in this year’s return to continue our in-river recreational fishery, which is great news for anglers that enjoy the river fishery,” said Mickey Agha, WDFW salmon science and policy analyst. “We will continue monitoring the run closely to ensure we meet our co-manager designed conservation goals.”
As of Thursday, July 11, 7,490 sockeye have been transferred to Baker Lake and in-season abundance assessments indicate a return that reflects the strong pre-season forecast.
In the Skagit River section open for sockeye fishing, the salmon minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. Night closure in effect. Selective gear rules are not in effect for salmon.
Anglers should review the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet of Fish Washington app for the water they plan to fish, as well as check the emergency rule changes before heading out. Regulations may be modified in-season as returns materialize.
July 12, 2024 — Four marine areas in Puget Sound open July 18–20 for hatchery Chinook fishing; Chinook daily limit to increase in Marine Areas 4 and 3 beginning July 13
WDFW salmon fishery managers have aligned four Puget Sound summer Chinook fisheries to open July 18–20. They are the San Juan Islands (Marine Area 7), northern Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (Marine Area 9), central Puget Sound (Marine Area 10) and southcentral Puget Sound (Marine Area 11). WDFW will assess Chinook catch and/or encounter information after the initial three-day openers to see if additional Chinook openings may occur based on available quota for each marine area.
· Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) is closed in July for all salmon fishing except July 18–20 when it is open for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, sockeye, wild coho, and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 2,181 (2,181 in 2023), total unmarked encounters is 3,845 (4,258 in 2023), and total sub-legal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — is 2,141 (2,544 in 2023).
Marine Area 7 is open daily beginning Aug. 1–31 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho); and Sept. 1–29 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, sockeye, and chum).
· Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) is closed in July for all salmon fishing except July 18–20 when it is open for hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 3,900 (4,300 in 2023). The northern Hood Canal Fishery within Marine Area 9 has specific closures and restriction, so refer to the 2024–25 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details.
Marine Area 9 is then open daily Aug. 1-Sept. 23 for hatchery coho (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook, chum, and wild coho); and Sept. 24–30 for a nonselective coho directed fishery (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook and chum).
· Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton Area) is open for hatchery Chinook fishing on July 18–20 only. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 3,166 (3,566 in 2023), and total sub-legal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — is 6,477 (7,748 in 2023). There are some pockets of summertime salmon fishing closures within Marine Area 10 and refer to the 2024–25 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for details. Inner-Elliott Bay is also open for Chinook fishing from Aug. 2 through Aug. 5 until 12 p.m. only.
Marine Area 10 is open daily for nonselective coho now through Sept. 30 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook and chum); and Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook).
· Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is open for hatchery Chinook fishing on July 18–20 only. The Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum, wild coho, and wild Chinook. The Chinook catch quota is set at 3,379 (3,379 in 2023), and total sub-legal encounters — Chinook under the 22-inch minimum “keeper” size limit — is 5,907 (3,845 in 2023).
Marine Area 11 is open daily from Aug. 1-Sept. 30 (Chinook retention may close earlier if the quota is attainted. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species have no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Release all chum and wild Chinook); and Oct. 1-Nov. 15 (no minimum size restriction. Daily limit is two salmon. Release all Chinook).
Other marine areas currently open for hatchery Chinook salmon fishing are:
· Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) in the western Strait of Juan de Fuca is open through Aug. 15 for retention of hatchery-marked Chinook and coho only. Through July 7, the estimated legal-size encounters are 1,832 (28% of the 6,539 total guideline).
· 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 July 7, the estimated legal-size encounters are 637 (6% of the 11,173 total guideline).
Chinook daily limit to increase off northern coast
Anglers fishing in Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh boundary line and Marine Area 3 (La Push) will be allowed to retain up to two Chinook as part of their daily limit beginning July 13 through Sept. 15.
Sufficient Chinook guideline remains in Marine Areas 4 and 3 to expand Chinook retention without risking early fishery closure. Both areas opened for recreational salmon fishing for all species on June 22.
In Marine Area 4, 2,371 (25%) of the 9,430 Chinook guideline and 800 (10%) of the 8,300 hatchery-marked coho quota have been landed through July 7. The total catch per angler trip is 0.52 for all salmon, and 0.44 for Chinook and 0.07 for hatchery-marked coho.
In Marine Area 3, 148 (9%) of the 1,630 Chinook guideline and 87 (4%) of the 2,070 hatchery-marked coho quota have been landed through July 7. The total catch per angler trip is 0.85 for all salmon, and 0.54 for Chinook and 0.32 for hatchery-marked coho.
Coastwide, 5,540 (14%) of the 41,000 Chinook guideline and 9,674 (12%) of the 79,800 hatchery-marked coho have been landed through July 7. The total catch per angler trip is 1.20 for all salmon, and 0.37 for Chinook and 0.83 for hatchery-marked coho.
Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) is closed July 12–13 and then open daily July 14 through Sept. 15 for Chinook and hatchery-marked coho. Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) is open daily through Sept. 30 for Chinook and hatchery-marked coho. Both marine areas could close earlier if quotas are met.
Details on coastal salmon fishing regulations can be found by going to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. For catch information, refer to the ocean sport salmon report, and the seasonal Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas, 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.
July 2, 2024 — Sockeye run upgraded, but retention remains closed in Lower Columbia River
Favorable fishing conditions and a strong run of sockeye in the Lower Columbia River provided excellent opportunity for anglers in June. However, despite the increasing number of sockeye counted at Bonneville Dam, sockeye fishing was closed June 28 in the stretch of river downstream of the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco.
The decision to close the sockeye fishery was primarily driven by regulatory constraints and conservation efforts. Specifically, the Columbia River sockeye run includes Snake River sockeye, which are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and must not be overharvested. The goal is to protect the vulnerable Snake River sockeye while still allowing some level of fishing activity for other sockeye populations. The listing restricts the non-treaty fisheries’ impact on the sockeye population to 1% of the run size, with concurrency between Oregon and Washington policy allocating 70% to the recreational fishery.
Although the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) upgraded the Columbia River sockeye run forecast from 401,700 to 568,000 sockeye on June 27, this increase, while significant, did not translate into extended fishing opportunities. As of June 23, the recreational fishery accounted for 3,263 sockeye mortalities, exceeding its initial allocation of 2,812. The recent run size upgrade increased the recreational allocation to 3,976 sockeye, but projected catches from June 24–27 were expected to eclipse the adjusted recreational allocation.
The sockeye fishing closure in the Lower Columbia River was also influenced by the need to manage other fisheries effectively. For instance, keeping steelhead fishing open through July 31 is a priority, and limiting sockeye catches is necessary to achieve this. Balancing multiple fisheries within the constraints of ESA regulations and allocation limits requires careful planning and timely closures to avoid overharvesting fish.
There are several sections of the Upper Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Brewster that are open for sockeye and/or hatchery Chinook fishing. For more information on sections open for salmon fishing and regulations, refer to the 2024–25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington, in coordination with TAC, will continue to monitor the Columbia River sockeye run to determine if additional opportunity can be considered. To receive updates including emergency rule changes and Columbia River Compact fishery notices, subscribe to our mailing lists.
TAC will meet on July 8 and anticipates updating the sockeye and Upper Columbia River summer Chinook run sizes at that time.
June 28, 2024 — Marine Areas 5 and 6 in the Strait of Juan de Fuca open for salmon fishing July 1
Anglers can make plans to fish in two marine areas along the Strait of Juan de Fuca that open for salmon fishing starting July 1.
Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) in the western Strait of Juan de Fuca will open July 1 through Aug. 15 for retention of hatchery-marked Chinook and coho only, release sockeye, chum, wild coho and wild Chinook (if the Chinook retention fishery closes sooner than expected the area will remain open for hatchery coho only). The daily limit is two salmon including no more than one hatchery Chinook. The hatchery Chinook minimum size is 22 inches.
The Marine Area 5 salmon fishery is also open Aug. 16 through Sept. 26, release Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho; and open Sept. 27 through Oct. 15, release Chinook, chum, and sockeye. The daily limit is two salmon with no minimum size.
The 2024 Chinook retention fishery could close sooner if the legal-size (Chinook longer than the 22-inch minimum size limit) encounter guideline of 6,539 is achieved. In 2023, the legal-size encounter was 7,254 with a full Chinook fishing season from July 1 through Aug. 15.
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 — will open July 1 through Aug. 15 for retention of hatchery-marked Chinook and coho; release sockeye, chum, wild coho and wild Chinook (if the Chinook retention fishery closes sooner than expected the area will remain open for hatchery coho only). The daily limit is two salmon. The hatchery Chinook minimum size is 22 inches.
The Marine Area 6 salmon fishery is also open Aug. 16 through Sept. 26, release Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho; and open Sept. 27 through Oct. 15, release Chinook, chum, and sockeye. The daily limit is two salmon with no minimum size.
The 2024 Chinook retention fishery could close sooner if the legal-size encounter guideline of 11,173 is achieved. In 2023, the legal-size encounter was 11,516 with a full Chinook fishing season from July 1 through Aug. 15.
Marine Area 6 east of a true north/south line through the #2 Buoy immediately east of Ediz Hook is open July 1 through Sept. 26 for retention of hatchery-marked coho only, release Chinook, chum, sockeye, and wild coho; and open Sept. 27 through Oct. 15, release Chinook, chum and sockeye. The daily limit is two salmon with no minimum size.
WDFW fishery managers will monitor the Marine Areas 5 and 6 Chinook retention fisheries and provide updates on the WDFW salmon fishery guidelines and quotas webpage. There are many areas currently open for salmon fishing and others will open later in July. Follow this blog for updates or refer to the WDFW Sport Fishing regulation pamphlet for details.
June 20, 2024 — Additional Marine Area 11 salmon fishing opportunity for remainder of this month and daily limit increases to two hatchery Chinook salmon beginning June 21
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is open daily for remainder of June and anglers may keep two hatchery Chinook salmon as part of their daily salmon limit beginning June 21.
Estimates of the catch through June 23, indicate the fishery has reached 39% of the hatchery Chinook quota (562 of 1,423), 16% of the total unmarked wild fish encounter (148 of 910) and 2% of the sublegal fish encounter (49 of 2,608) agreed to in the List of Agreed Fisheries.
Between June 5–23 (10 total fishing days), 2,380 boats with 4,650 anglers retained 562 Chinook, and released 133 hatchery Chinook and 143 wild Chinook.
The June season was originally scheduled to be open Wednesdays through Saturdays only from June 5–30, but slower catch rates will allow for additional days of fishing in June. The daily limit is two salmon, and anglers may retain up to two hatchery Chinook. Chinook minimum size limit is 22 inches. Release chum and wild 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.
In 2023, the Marine Area 11 June fishery was open eight days — June 1–4 and June 8–11 — and had exceeded the unmarked “wild” Chinook encounter limit (1,036 of 901) by 15%. The closure was necessary despite remaining under the harvest quota by 69% (988 of 1.423) and 67% of total sublegal encounter limit (1,130 of 1,697).
The 2024 hatchery Chinook retention fishery in Marine Area 11 — from the northern tip of Vashon Island to the northernmost part of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge — is split into two distinct seasons to allow for additional summer fishing.
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 11 will reopen July 18–20. The allowable catch quota during the second half of the season is 3,379 hatchery-marked Chinook and a total sublegal encounter limit of 5,907 fish. WDFW will assess the Chinook catch after the initial three-day opener. Additional Chinook openings in Marine Area 11 may occur in late July based on available quota and it is planned to open for Chinook on Aug. 1.
State fishery managers indicate the two summer segments were modeled separately due to the stock composition found in Marine Area 11 during June and the July to September time frames. This allowed fishery managers to meet all management objectives for stocks of concern and add time on the water. This type of management planning for summer fisheries also occurs in other marine areas. To view the Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas, visit WDFW webpage.
State fishery managers indicate the two summer segments were modeled separately due to the stock composition found in Marine Area 11 during June and the July to September time frames. This allowed fishery managers to meet all management objectives for stocks of concern and add time on the water. This type of management planning for summer fisheries also occurs in other marine areas. To view the Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas, visit WDFW 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 WDFW North of Falcon webpage.
Several other marine areas are currently open for salmon fishing including Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton), the Tulalip Terminal Area Fishery (open Fridays through noon Mondays only), Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) and sections of the Skagit and Cascade rivers. The ocean salmon fishing season opens Saturday, June 22, at Neah Bay, La Push, and Ilwaco (Marine Areas 4, 3, and 1), and June 30 at Westport-Ocean Shores (Marine Area 2). Refer to the WDFW webpage or the 2024–25 WDFW regulation pamphlet for additional salmon season details.
About WDFW and in-season management
Washington’s salmon season setting process is one of the most complex fishery management systems in the world, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers work hard to keep the public informed on sport fishing-related regulations.
The annual salmon season setting process known as North of Falcon is a series of more than a dozen public meetings WDFW hosts. This two-plus month-long process to set the 2024–25 salmon fishing seasons concluded in mid-April with a final fishing package approved in early June. North of Falcon refers to waters north of Oregon’s Cape Falcon and marks the southern border of management of the state’s salmon stocks, including Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Columbia River, and coastal areas.
The work by WDFW fishery managers doesn’t end once the salmon seasons are approved, and the continued efforts to provide marine and freshwater fishing opportunities and in-season updates span nearly every day of the year.
WDFW favors transparency by keeping an open door when it comes to public expectations. We listen closely to the input of everyone, and we take that feedback seriously to help inform and find solutions to our current and future management strategies that best serve the wide array of interested participants, and to the best extent possible, seek win-win outcomes for everyone.
Often, the in-season changes are needed to ensure that conservation goals that aid the recovery of salmon and steelhead are met, including keeping the fishery impacts within the constraints under the Endangered Species Act. We are committed to keeping the public abreast of the rationale.
We hope this increased public interaction that started with our first-ever Town Hall meeting on Jan. 30, 2024 along with the Salmon Daily Digest blog during the North of Falcon process and this new blog, can provide information to keep anglers up to date. Visit the WDFW North of Falcon FAQs and Glossary Information for helpful key terms and suggested resources. You can also read more about understanding Puget Sound fisheries management on the WDFW blog. If you have any other ideas to build on our communication in future years, please let us know.
