Puget Sound Commercial Fisheries Hotline Message Number 12
Recorded Friday, October 9, 2009 at 11:30 AM

The 2009 Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Regulation pamphlet was mailed the week of July 12th. If you have not received a copy please contact (360) 902-2700 and ask for a copy or check our web site where one may be downloaded at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/commercial/salmon/

Fishers are reminded that a Fish Friendly certification card will be required to participate in any Area 7 or 7A commercial salmon fisheries. Contact (360) 902-2717 if you need to attend a workshop to get a card. For the most current information on Areas 7 or 7A sockeye fisheries check the National Marine Fisheries Hotline at (800) 662-9825.

The first test catch of the Apple Cove (APC) Test Fishery was conducted on Wednesday, October 7th and a total of 407 chum, 11 Coho, and 2 Chinook were landed in 6 sets. There is not yet enough information to update the pre-season forecast of 238,500 chum salmon for southern Puget Sound.

For the period of October 11th – October 17th all areas are currently closed except as follows:

Area 6D Dungeness Bay is open to skiff gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh size from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, Monday through Friday each week continuing through Friday, October 23rd. All Chinook and chum salmon must be released by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish.

Areas 7 and 7A San Juan Islands and Point Roberts are open to reef nets 5 AM to 9 PM daily continuously through Saturday, November 14th. Sockeye, Pink, and all Chinook salmon, must be released. Fishers must have a Fish Friendly certification card within their immediate possession.

Areas 7 and 7A San Juan Islands and Point Roberts will be open to gill nets using 6-¼ inch minimum mesh daily from 7 AM to Midnight on the following dates:

• Monday, October 12th.
• Tuesday, October 13th.
• Friday, October 16th.
• Saturday, October 17th.

Soak times are limited to 45 minutes from first web in to last web out. Recovery boxes are required and must be operating at all times to participate. Chinook and coho must be released and if injured or lethargic, placed in the recovery box for release after they have recovered. Fishers must have a Fish Friendly certification card within their immediate possession.

Areas 7 and 7A San Juan Islands and Point Roberts will be open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip daily from 7 AM to 6 PM on the following dates:

• Monday, October 12th.
• Tuesday, October 13th.
• Friday, October 16th.
• Saturday, October 17th.

Brailing and recovery boxes are required and must be operating at all times to participate. Chinook and coho must be released and if injured or lethargic, placed in the recovery box for release after they have recovered. Fishers must have a Fish Friendly certification card within their immediate possession.

Area 7B Bellingham Bay is open to gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh size continuously through 8 PM October 31st, and to purse seines using the 5-inch strip continuously through 6 PM October 31st.

Area 8A Port Susan and Port Gardner will be open to gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh from 7 AM to 8 PM on the following dates:

• Monday, October 12th.
• Wednesday, October 14th.

Area 8A Port Susan and Port Gardner will be open to the purse seines using the 5-inch strip from 7 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday, October 13th. Chinook must be released.

Area 8D Tulalip Bay will be open to gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh size from 6 AM to 8 PM on Thursday, October 15th and from 6 AM to 4 PM on Friday, October 16th.

Area 8D Tulalip Bay will be open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip from 7 AM to 6 PM on Monday, October 12th. Chinook must be released.

Area 9A Port Gamble Bay is open to skiff gill nets limited to 600 feet in length and 60 meshes in depth using 5-inch minimum mesh size continuously until 8:00 PM Saturday, October 31st. All Chinook and chum salmon must be released by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish.

If you suspect an error in this message or have questions please contact Jeromy Jording at (360) 902-2717.