General commercial salmon fishery information including: pre-season, in-season, and post-season distributions.
For the latest regulatory information on seasons and emergency changes, please check the commercial Puget Sound salmon hotline message page, or call the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Hotline at 360-515-4475.
For additional information or questions please contact the Puget Sound commercial salmon manager at 360-902-2717, or Puget Sound commercial salmon biologist at 360-902-2677.
Fish Friendly Certification and Attestation
Each year WDFW hosts a “Fish Friendly: Best Fishing Practice” workshop for new commercial fishers wanting to participate in any Area 7 or Area 7A commercial salmon fishery. This workshop details requirements such as brailing, recovery boxes, and limited soak times, needed for participation in the Area 7/7A fisheries. Upon completion of online training, fishers receive a department-issued “Fish Friendly” certification card. This certification does not expire, however, a valid card must be held by the licensed operator or alternate operator. Below, are the sections of the WAC authorizing this certification requirement:
WAC 220-354-100 (8)
It is unlawful to fish for salmon with purse seine gear in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 7 and 7A unless the vessel operator has attended a "Fish Friendly" best fishing practices workshop and is in immediate possession of a department-issued certification card.
WAC 220-354-140 (6)
It is unlawful to fish for salmon with gillnet gear in Areas 7 and 7A unless the vessel operator has attended a "Fish Friendly" best fishing practices workshop and is in possession of a department-issued certification card.
Once you have completed and viewed the entire Fish Friendly Online presentation. Use the link below to download your Attestation form. These forms should be electronically sent to pscommercialsalmon@dfw.wa.gov. Once received, our Licensing program will mail you your Fish Friendly Certification.
2024 Information
- 2024 Week 44 South Sound (Areas 10 and 11) Limited Participation Vessels and Regulations (PDF)
- 2024 Limited Participation Letter (PDF)
- 2024 Limited Participation Application (PDF)
Return via mail to :
WDFW Fish Program
ATTN: Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Management Team
PO Box 43200
Olympia, WA 98501
Or via email to: pscommercialsalmon@dfw.wa.gov
2023 Information
- 2023 Post-Season Meeting (1/17/24) Presentation (PDF)
- 2023 Limited Participation Chum Priority Lists and Letter (PDF)
- Limited Participation Chum Application Submission Deadline Extension - August 31st 2023 (DOCX)
- 2023 Limited Participation Application (PDF)
Return via mail to :
WDFW Fish Program
ATTN: Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Management Team
PO Box 43200
Olympia, WA 98501
Or via email to: pscommercialsalmon@dfw.wa.gov
2022 Information
Please, fill out this survey, return via mail to :
WDFW Fish Program
ATTN: Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Management Team
PO Box 43200
Olympia, WA 98501
Or via email to: pscommercialsalmon@dfw.wa.gov
2020 Information
- November 6, 2020 - Fall Chum In-Season Data Distribution (wk 46) (PDF)
- October 31, 2020 - 2020 Fall Chum In-Season Data Distribution (PDF)
- September 15, 2020 - Reef Net Log:Chinook Retention (PDF)
- March 16 2020 - Preliminary Area 9 Test Fishing Proposal (PDF)
- Jan. 23 2020 - Recent Ocean Conditions (NOAA) (PDF)
- Jan 12 2020 - 2019 Post Season Meeting Presentation (PDF)