Puget Sound Commercial Fisheries Hotline Message Number 13
Recorded Friday, October 16, 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 second test catch of the Apple Cove (APC) Test Fishery was conducted on Wednesday, October 14th and a total of 680 chum, 6 Coho, and 0 Chinook were landed in 6 sets.  There is not yet enough information to update the pre-season forecast of 348,000 chum salmon for South Puget Sound.

For the period of October 18th – October 24th 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 beginning Tuesday, October 20th through November 14th.  Fishers must have a Fish Friendly certification card within their immediate possession.

Areas 7 and 7A San Juan Islands and Point Roberts are open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip daily from 7 AM to 6 PM beginning Tuesday, October 20th through November 14th. 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 8D Tulalip Bay will be open to gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh size from 6 AM to 8 PM on Thursday, October 22nd and from 6 AM to 4 PM on Friday, October 23rd.

Area 8D Tulalip Bay will be open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip from 7 AM to 6 PM on Monday, October 19th.  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.

Areas 10 and 11 Seattle and Tacoma will be open to gill nets using 6 ¼ -inch minimum mesh during the following dates and times:

• 5 PM Sunday, October 18th to 9 AM Monday, October 19th.
• 4 PM till 11:59 PM Wednesday, October 21st.

Areas 10 and 11 Seattle and Tacoma will be open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip from 7 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday, October 20th. Chinook and coho must be released.

Areas 12 and 12B Hood Canal will be open to gill nets using 6 ¼ -inch minimum mesh from 7 AM to 8 PM on Monday, October 19th and Wednesday, October 21st.

Areas 12 and 12B Hood Canal will be open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip from 7 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday, October 20th.  Chinook must be released.

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