Below is general information on 2023-24 salmon and steelhead fisheries in Washington waters. All fisheries are subject to change.
These season summaries are not meant to be comprehensive regulations; more details and regulations for each area will be included in the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, which outlines the regulations from July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 and will be available in early summer 2023.
Anglers should also check for any emergency regulation changes for changes to fisheries before heading out.
Puget Sound marine areas
Marine Area 5
Mouth of the Sekiu River east to Low Point, mouth of the Lyre River.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 – June 30 |
Closed |
|
|
July 1 – Aug. 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Wild Chinook |
|
Aug. 16 – Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Chinook |
|
Oct. 1 – Oct. 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
Oct. 16 – March 31 |
Closed |
|
|
April 1 – April 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Coho Release Wild Chinook |
|
May 1 – May 14 |
Closed |
|
Marine Area 6
Low Point east to the Partridge Point – Point Wilson line north to the line from Trial Island (near Victoria B.C.) – Vessel Traffic Separation Buoy “R” – Smith Island to the Lawson Reef Buoy to Northwest Island to the Initiative 77 marker on Fidalgo Island and west of the line from Reservation Head to West Point.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulations |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - June 30 |
Closed |
|
|
East of true North/South line through “2” buoy |
||
|
July 1 - Aug. 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Chinook |
|
Aug. 16 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Chinook |
|
Oct. 1 - Oct. 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
West of true North/South line through “2” buoy |
||
|
July 1 - Aug. 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Wild Chinook |
|
Aug. 16 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Chinook |
|
Oct. 1 - Oct. 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
Oct. 16 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
Marine Area 7
All marine waters north of the Trial Island line described under Area 6 to the United States-Canada boundary.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - July 12 |
Closed |
Closed to Salmon |
|
July 13 - July 15 |
Open Thursday through Saturday only. Additional days may be added based on in-season updates. |
2 fish limit 1 hatchery Chinook Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook Release Wild Coho Bellingham and Samish Bay closed to Salmon |
|
Aug. 1 - Aug. 31 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook Release Wild Coho Bellingham Bay open 8/16
|
|
Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit, 1 may be Coho Release Chum Release Chinook
|
| Oct. 1 - May 14 | Closed |
Marine Area 8-1
From West Point to Reservation Head eastward through Deception Pass, including all waters of Swinomish Slough and Skagit Bay, and the portion of Saratoga Passage north and west of a line from East Point Light to light on Camano Island (Saratoga Pass light #4 FI Red 4 Sec).
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
Quota |
|---|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - July 31 |
Closed |
|
|
|
Aug. 1 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
|
Oct. 1 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
|
Marine Area 8-2
East of East Point Light-Camano Island Light line (described in Area 8-1) and north of the Possession Point-Shipwreck line.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - July 31 |
Closed |
|
|
Aug. 1 - Sept. 24 |
Open |
2 fish limit, 1 may be Coho Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
Sept. 25 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
Tulalip Bubble
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - May 25 |
Closed |
|
|
May 26 - Sept. 4 |
Open |
Open 12:01 AM Friday – 11:59 AM Monday each week (closed on the day of June 10) 2 fish limit 2-pole endorsement Chinook 22” minimum size Release chum |
| Sept. 5 - Sept. 8 | Closed | |
|
Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 |
|
Open Saturday and Sunday each week 2 fish limit 2-pole endorsement Chinook 22” minimum size |
|
Sept. 25 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
Marine Area 9
All waters inside and south of the Partridge Point – Point Wilson line, south and west of a line from Possession Point 110° true to shipwreck, north of the Hood Canal Bridge, and north of the Apple Cove Point-Edwards Point line.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - July 12 |
Closed |
|
|
July 13 - July 31 |
Open Thursday through Saturday only |
2 fish limit 1 hatchery Chinook Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook Release Wild Coho |
|
Aug. 1 - Sept. 17 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook Release Wild Coho |
|
Sept. 18 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
Oct. 1 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
Marine Area 10
From the Apple Cove Point-Edwards Point to a line projected true east-west through the north tip of Vashon Island.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - May 31 |
Closed |
|
|
June 1 - July 12 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
July 13 - Aug. 31 |
Open |
2 fish limit 1 hatchery Chinook Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook |
|
Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
| Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 | Open | 2 fish limit Release Chinook |
|
Nov. 1 - Feb. 29 |
Closed |
|
|
March 1 - April 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit 1 hatchery Chinook Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook |
|
April 16 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
Elliott Bay
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - June 30 |
|
Same as Marine Area 10 |
|
July 1 - Aug. 3 |
Closed |
Closed to Salmon |
|
Aug. 4 - Aug. 7 (noon) |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum |
|
Aug. 8 - Aug. 17 |
Closed, additional days may be added depending on in season updates |
|
|
Aug. 18 - Aug. 31 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chum Release Chinook |
|
Sept. 1 - May 14 |
|
Same as Marine Area 10 |
Sinclair Inlet
Sinclair Inlet
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - July 15 |
|
Same as Marine Area 10 |
|
July 16 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
3 fish limit 2-pole endorsement Chinook 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook |
|
Oct. 1 - May 14 |
|
Same as Marine Area 10 |
Marine Area 11
From the north tip of Vashon Island to the Northernmost Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - May 31 |
Closed |
|
|
June 1 - Sept. 30
|
Open |
Open Thursday through Sunday only each week (season may be adjusted or closed if catch or encounters approach allowable limits. Beginning July 1, 2023, this fishing season will be listed in the new 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.) 2 fish limit 1 hatchery Chinook Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook Commencement Bay closed to salmon fishing east of a line bearing 215 deg. true from the Cliff House Restaurant on north shore through Sperry Ocean Dock June 1 through July 31. |
|
Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 |
Open |
2 fish limit Release Chinook |
|
Nov. 1 - Feb. 29 |
Closed |
|
|
March 1 - April 15 |
Open |
2 fish limit 1 hatchery Chinook Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook |
|
April 16 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
Marine Area 12
All waters south of the Hood Canal Bridge.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
North of Ayock |
||
|
May 15 - July 9 |
Closed |
|
|
July 10 - Oct. 31 |
Open |
4 fish limit Release Chum through 10/15 Release Chinook |
| Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 | Open |
4 fish limit Release Chinook Release coho |
|
Dec. 1 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
|
South of Ayock |
||
|
May 15 - July 9 |
Closed |
|
|
July 10 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
4 fish limit 2-pole endorsement Chinook 20” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Chinook |
|
Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 |
Open |
4 fish limit Release Chum through 10/15 Release Chinook |
| Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 | Open |
4 fish limit Release Chinook Release coho |
|
Dec. 1 - May 14 |
Closed |
|
Marine Area 13
All waters south of northernmost Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
|
Dates |
Status |
Regulation |
|---|---|---|
|
May 15 - June 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit 2-pole endorsement Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Wild Chinook Minter Creek mouth closed 4/16 - 9/15 Lower Budd Inlet closure zone 7/16-10/31 |
|
July 1 - Sept. 30 |
Open |
2 fish limit 2-pole endorsement Chinook – 20” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Wild Chinook Minter Creek mouth closed 4/16 - 9/15 Lower Budd Inlet closure zone 7/16-10/31 |
|
Oct. 1 - May 14 |
Open |
2 fish limit 2-pole endorsement Chinook – 22” minimum size Release Chum Release Wild Coho Release Wild Chinook Minter Creek mouth closed 4/16 - 9/15 Lower Budd Inlet closure zone 7/16-10/31 |
Puget Sound Freshwater
Nooksack
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nooksack River – Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming |
Aug. 1 – Sept. 31 |
12” |
2 + 2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho. Release wild Chinook, pinks, and chum. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
Oct. 1 – Dec.31 |
12” |
2+2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho. Release chum and pinks. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
|
Nooksack River – Hwy 544 Bridge in Everson to the FFA high school barn in Deming |
Nov. 1 – Nov. 30 |
12” |
2+2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho or 1 of which may be chum, or one of each. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
Dec. 1-Dec. 31 |
12” |
2+2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho. Release chum. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
|
Nooksack River – Yellow marker at the FFA high school barn in Deming to confluence of North and South forks |
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 |
12” |
2 + 2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho. Release chum and pinks. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
Nov. 1- Nov. 30 |
12” |
2+2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho or 1 of which may be chum. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
|
Dec. 1-Dec. 31 |
12” |
2+2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho. Release chum. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
|
Nooksack River, South Fork – mouth to Skookum Creek |
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 |
12” |
2 + 4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Daily limit 2 plus 4 additional hatchery coho. Release chum and pinks. Release wild Chinook Oct. 1-15. Night closure and one single point hook allowed. Gamefish closed June 1 – September 30. |
|
Nooksack River, North Fork – Hwy. 9 Bridge to Maple Creek |
Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 |
12” |
2+2 |
Daily limit 4 of which up to 2 may be wild coho. Release chum and pinks. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
Whatcom Creek - Whatcom Creek (Whatcom Co.), from the mouth (a line from the flashing light at the southwest end of the Port of Bellingham North Terminal to the southernmost point of the dike surrounding the Georgia Pacific treatment pond) to the markers downstream of the footbridge that is downstream of Dupont Street. |
Aug 1 – Sept. 10, Friday through Sunday Only. |
12” |
1 |
Daily limit 1 hatchery Chinook. Release all other salmon. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. |
|
Samish River – mouth (Bayview Edison rd.) to Thomas Rd. Bridge |
Aug. 1 – Sept. 13 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Release wild coho, chum, and pinks. Stationary Gear Rule, night closure and only one single point hook allowed. Maximum hook gap ¾” point to shank. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained. TBD dates for: 1 veterans and active military day. |
|
Sept. 14 – Oct. 31 |
|
|
Closed waters |
|
|
Samish River – from the Thomas Rd. Bridge to I-5 Bridge. |
Aug. 1 – Oct. 31 |
|
|
Closed waters |
Skagit
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skagit River – Mouth to Hwy. 536 at Mt. Vernon (Memorial Hwy. Bridge) |
Aug. 14 – Aug. 31 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Pink salmon only. Night closure. |
|
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2 Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
|
Skagit River – Hwy. 536 at Mt. Vernon (Memorial Hwy. Bridge) to mouth of Gilligan Creek |
May 1 – May 31 Propose to open 1 week earlier – in run year 2024. |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2 hatchery Chinook. Release all other species. Night closure. Two-Pole. |
|
June 16 – July 15 |
12” |
3 |
Daily limit 3 sockeye only. Night closure. Harvest split between Baker Lake and River 80/20. |
|
|
Aug. 14 – Aug. 31 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Pink salmon only. Night closure. |
|
|
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Release Chinook wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
|
Skagit River – Mouth of Gilligan Creek to the Dalles Bridge at Concrete |
June 16 – July 15 |
12” |
3 |
Daily limit 3 sockeye only. Night closure. Harvest split between Baker Lake and River 80/20. |
|
Sept. 1 – Sept. 30 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Barbless single point hooks only, no bait. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
|
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
|
Skagit River – Dalles Bridge at Concrete to Highway 530 bridge at Rockport |
Sept. 16 – Sept. 30 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Barbless single point hooks only, no bait. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
Oct. 1 – Oct 31. |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
|
Skagit River – Highway 530 bridge at Rockport to Cascade River Rd
|
June 1 – July 15
|
12”
|
4
|
Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Night closure.
|
|
Sept. 16 – Sept. 30 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Barbless single point hooks only, no bait. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
|
Oct. 1 – Oct 31. |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure. |
|
|
Baker Lake |
July 15 – Aug. 31
|
18” |
3 |
Daily limit 3 sockeye. Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon angling gear until the daily limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved. |
|
Cascade River – mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. bridge
|
June 1 – July 15
|
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4 Chinook. 2 adults. Release wild Chinook. Night closure and anti-snagging. |
|
Sept. 16 – Sept. 30 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4 coho. Release all salmon other than coho. Anti-snagging rule, barbless, no bait. Night closure. |
|
|
Oct. 1 – Oct. 30 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4 coho. Release all salmon other than coho. Anti-snagging rule. Night closure |
Stillaguamish
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stillaguamish River – mouth to forks |
Sept 16 – Oct. 31 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4. No more than 2 coho, release Chinook and chum |
|
Stillaguamish River, North Fork – mouth to highway 530 bridge (Cicero Br.) |
Sept. 16 – Oct. 31 |
|
|
Closed to salmon. Gamefish only. Motors prohibited. Night closure. Fly fishing only. Catch-and-release. |
Snohomish
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Snohomish River – Mouth upstream to Hwy. 9 Bridge |
Sept. 16 – Oct. 15 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4. No more than 2 coho. Release wild Chinook, chum. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. Continuation of fishery dependent on ISU. |
|
Snohomish River – Hwy. 9 Bridge to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers (all channels) |
Sept. 16 – Oct. 15 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4. No more than 2 coho. Release wild Chinook, chum. Night closure and anti-snagging. Continuation of fishery dependent on ISU. |
|
Skykomish River – Mouth to Wallace River |
May 27 – May 29 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4 Chinook. 2 adults. Release wild Chinook. Night closure and anti-snagging rule upstream of Lewis Str. Bridge in Monroe. Continuation of fishery dependent on ISU. |
|
Skykomish River – Mouth to Lewis Street Bridge in Monroe |
Sept. 16 – Oct. 31 |
|
|
Closed to salmon. |
|
Skykomish River – Lewis St. Bridge in Monroe to forks |
Sept. 16 – Oct. 31 |
|
|
Closed to salmon. |
|
Wallace River – Mouth to 200’ upstream of intake at salmon hatchery |
Oct. 15 – Oct. 31
|
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2. Release Chinook and chum. Night closure and anti-snagging rule. Fishing prohibited from any floating device Nov. 1 – Feb. 15. Continuation of fishery dependent on ISU. |
|
Snoqualmie River – Mouth to Falls |
May 15 – May 14, 2024 |
|
|
Closed to Salmon |
Lake Washington
| Water | Season | Min. Size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lake Washington – north Hwy. 520 Bridge and east of the Montlake Bridge |
Sept. 16 – Oct. 31 |
12” |
4 |
Two-Pole not allowed. Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than coho. |
|
Lake Sammamish |
Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 |
12” |
4 |
Two-Pole not allowed. Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than coho. |
|
Dec 1. – May 31 |
12” |
|
Two-Pole not allowed. Release all salmon other than hatchery coho. Salmon count as part of trout daily limit. No Catch Record Card required. |
Green/Duwamish
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Green River – East-West line extending through the southernmost tip of Harbor Island to Old Hwy. 99/Tukwilla Intl. Blvd. |
Aug. 20 – Dec. 31 |
12” |
6 |
Night closure and Anti-snagging rule. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 may be any combination of adult coho and chum. Release Chinook. |
|
Green River – Old Hwy. 99/Tukwilla Intl. Blvd. to South 212th St. Bridge |
Aug. 20 – Dec. 31 |
12” |
6 |
Night closure and Anti-snagging rule. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 may be any combination of adult coho, chum, and Chinook, except not more than 2 adult Chinook may be retained. Anglers must retain the first 2 adult Chinook caught. |
|
Green River – South 212th St. Bridge to the Hwy. 18 Eastbound Bridge |
Sept. 16 – Dec. 31 |
12” |
6 |
Night closure and Anti-snagging rule. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 may be any combination of adult coho and chum. Release Chinook. |
|
Green River – Hwy. 18 Eastbound Bridge to the Auburn Black Diamond Rd. Bridge |
|
|
|
CLOSED WATERS |
|
Green River – Auburn-Black Diamond Road Bridge to the Tacoma Municipal boundary marker (1.3 miles downstream of Tacoma Headworks Dam). |
Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 |
12” |
6 |
Night closure and Anti-snagging rule. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 may be any combination of adult coho and chum. Release Chinook. Closed within 150’ of the mouth of Keta Creek. |
Puyallup
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Puyallup River – 11th St. Bridge to East Main Street Bridge |
Aug. 16 – Oct. 31 (Closed Sundays-Tues. 8/16 - Sep.30) |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 4 adults of which only 2 adults may be Chinook or coho. Release wild Chinook and chum. Night closure, anti-snagging rule, barbless hooks. |
|
Puyallup River – East Main Street Bridge to Carbon River |
Aug. 16 – Oct. 31 (Closed Sundays-Tues. 8/16 - Sep.30) |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 4 adults of which only 2 adults may be Chinook or coho. Release wild Chinook and chum. Night closure, anti-snagging rule, barbless hooks. |
|
Carbon River – mouth to Voight Creek |
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31 (Closed Sundays-Tues. Sept. 1 – Sep.30) |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 2 adults. Release chum and wild Chinook. Night closure, anti-snagging rule and barbless hooks. |
Nisqually
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chambers Creek – Mouth (Burlington-Northern RR Bridge) to markers 400’ below the Boise-Cascade Dam. |
July 1 – Nov. 15 |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 4 adults. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure, anti-snagging rule, and barbless hooks. |
|
Nisqually River – Mouth to Tank Crossing |
July 1 – Nov. 15 Closed Sunday-Tuesday 8/6-8/29 and August 31st, Closed Sunday-Monday 9/3-11/15 |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 2 adults. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure, anti-snagging rule, and barbless hooks. |
|
McCallister Creek – mouth to Olympia-Steilacoom Rd. bridge |
July 1 – Nov. 15 |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 2 adults. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and chum. Night closure, anti-snagging rule, and barbless hooks. |
Deep South Sound
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Deschutes River – Henderson Blvd. bridge upstream |
Year-round |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 2 adults. Release coho. |
|
Kennedy Creek – mouth to northbound Hwy. 101 bridge |
|
|
|
Closed to salmon fishing. |
|
Minter Creek – mouth to the boundary markers 50’ downstream of the hatchery rack |
Sept. 1 – Dec. 31 |
12” |
6 |
Daily limit 6. 4 adults of which only 2 adults may be Chinook or coho. Release wild coho. Night closure, anti-snagging rule. |
Hood Canal
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skokomish River – Mouth to Tacoma Powerlines (Potlach Line) |
July 1-September 30 |
|
|
Free-flowing fresh waters including all channels are closed to salmon fishing. |
|
Skokomish River – Tacoma Powerlines to Hwy. 101. |
|
|
|
Closed, TBD |
|
Dewatto River – mouth to Dewatto-Holly Rd. bridge |
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 |
|
|
Closed to salmon fishing. |
|
Duckabush River – mouth to Mason Co. PUD #1 overhead electrical distribution line |
Nov. 1 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2 chum only. |
|
Dosewallips River – mouth to Hwy. 101 bridge |
Nov. 1 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
2 |
Daily limit 2 chum only. |
|
Big Quilcene River – Mouth to Hwy 101 |
Aug. 16 – Aug. 31 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4 coho only. Anti-snagging rule and night closure. |
|
Big Quilcene River – Downstream terminus of WDFW easement (Colyott Bluff) to Hwy 101 |
Sept. 1 – Oct 31 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4 coho only. Anti-snagging rule and night closure. |
|
Big Quilcene River – Rodgers St. to Colyott Bluff |
Sept. 1 – Oct 31 |
CLOSED WATERS |
||
Strait of Juan De Fuca
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dungeness River – Mouth to Gray Wolf River at Dungeness Forks Campground |
Oct. 16 – Nov. 30 |
12” |
4 |
Daily limit 4 hatchery coho only. Release all salmon other than hatchery coho. |
North Coast
| Water | Season | Min. size | Daily limit | Additional rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hoh River– Olympic NP boundary upstream to Dept. Natural Resource’s Oxbow Campground boat launch |
Sept. 16 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 4. Only 2 adults may be retained of which 1 may be a Chinook. Dec 1-15 daily limit 1 coho only. |
|
Hoh River–Dept. Natural Resource’s Oxbow Campground boat launch to Morgan’s Crossing boat launch |
Oct. 16 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 2. Only 2 adults may be retained of which 1 may be a Chinook. Dec 1-15 daily limit one coho only. |
|
Sol Duc River– Mouth to concrete pump station at Sol Duc Hatchery |
May 1 – Aug 31 |
12” |
4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook, wild coho and sockeye. Bait prohibited July 16 to Aug 31. |
|
Sept. 1 – Sept. 15 |
12” |
6 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults may be retained of which 1 may be a wild Chinook. Release wild coho and sockeye. |
|
|
Sept. 16 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
6 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults may be retained of which 1 may be a wild Chinook and 1 may be a wild coho. Release sockeye. |
|
|
Bogachiel River – Mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge |
July 1 – August 31 |
12” |
4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited. Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook and wild coho. |
|
Sept. 1 – Sept. 15 |
12” |
3 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 3. Up to 2 adults may be retained of which one may be a wild Chinook. Release wild coho and sockeye. |
|
|
Sept. 16 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
3 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 3. Up to 2 adults may be retained of which one may be a wild Chinook. Release sockeye. |
|
|
Quillayute River – Olympic NP boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers |
May 1 – Aug. 31 |
12” |
4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook, wild coho and sockeye. |
|
Sept. 1 – Sept. 15 |
12” |
6 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults may be retained of which 1 may be a wild Chinook. Release wild coho and sockeye. Closure days to avoid gear conflict with treaty fisheries are Mondays and Tuesdays from September 4 through October 17 and Wednesday September 27, October 4, and October 11. |
|
|
Sept. 16 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
6 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 6. Up to 4 adults may be retained of which 1 may be a wild Chinook and one may be a wild coho. Release sockeye. Closure days to avoid gear conflict with treaty fisheries are Mondays and Tuesdays from September 4 through October 17 and Wednesday September 27, October 4, and October 11. |
|
|
Calawah River |
July 1 – Aug. 31 |
12” |
4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited. Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook and wild coho. |
|
Sept. 1 – Sept. 15 |
12” |
3 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 3. Up to 2 adults may be retained only one of which may be a wild Chinook. Release wild coho and sockeye. |
|
|
Sept. 16 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
3 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 3. Up to 2 adults may be retained only one of which may be a wild Chinook. Release sockeye. |
|
|
Dickey River
|
July 1 – Aug. 31 |
12” |
4 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited. Daily limit 4. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook and wild coho. |
|
Sept. 1 – Sept. 15 |
12” |
3 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 3. Up to 1 adult may be retained. Release wild coho and sockeye. |
|
|
Sept. 16 – Dec. 15 |
12” |
3 |
Internal combustion motors prohibited. Only 1 single point barbless hook allowed. Daily limit 3. Up to 1 adult may be retained. Release sockeye. |
Columbia River
Summer salmon fisheries
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
The summer Chinook season on the mainstem Columbia River will be open from June 16 through July 31 for waters from the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco. The daily adult limit is 2 fish; release all wild Chinook.
Fall salmon fisheries
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Buoy 10 through west Puget Island will be open Aug. 1 through Sept. 4, except closed on both Aug. 21-23 and Aug. 28-29. The daily adult limit is two salmon with no more than one Chinook; release wild Chinook and wild coho. From Sept. 5 through Dec. 31, the daily adult limit is three salmon, release all Chinook and wild coho.
- West Puget Island upstream to the Lewis River will be open Aug. 1 through Sept. 4; the daily adult limit is two salmon with no more than one Chinook; release wild coho. From Sept. 5 through Sept. 30, salmonid angling is closed. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the daily adult limit is two salmon; release all Chinook and wild coho.
- Lewis River upstream to Bonneville Dam will be open Aug. 1 through Sept. 14; the daily adult limit is two salmon with no more than one Chinook; release wild coho. From Sept. 15 through Sept. 30, salmonid angling is closed. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, the daily adult limit is two salmon; release all Chinook and wild coho.
- Bonneville Dam upstream to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco will be open Aug. 1 through Oct. 15; the daily adult limit is two salmon with no more than one Chinook; release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge. From Oct. 16 through Dec. 31, the daily adult limit is two salmon, release wild coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge and all Chinook.
Steelhead
All fisheries are subject to change based on catch rates, run size and other unforeseen circumstances. Summer steelhead daily limit is one hatchery fish when open as part of the adult limit, as described below.
Coastal fisheries (includes Grays Harbor & Willapa Bay)
Proposed season summaries for salmon and steelhead fishing in coastal fisheries (including Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay) for the 2023-24 season. For information about the 2022-23 season, see the Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Quillayute River system
- Feb. 1-March 31: Quillayute (park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel) and Sol Duc (mouth to concrete pump station at hatchery) open, daily limit 4 salmon, only 2 adults. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and all sockeye. One single-point barbless hook allowed. Bait prohibited after Feb. 16.
- April 1-April 30: Quillayute, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, Calawah, and Dickey closed to all fishing.
- May 1-Aug. 31: Quillayute (park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel) and Sol Duc (mouth to concrete pump station at hatchery) open, daily limit 4 salmon, only 2 adults. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and all sockeye. One single-point barbless hook allowed. Bait allowed, except no bait on the Sol Duc July 16-Aug. 31.
- July 1-Aug. 31: Bogachiel (mouth to 101 Bridge), Calawah (mouth to 101 Bridge), and Dickey (ONP boundary to the confluence of the East and West Forks) open; Daily limit 4 salmon, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook, and wild coho. One single point barbless hook allowed. No bait allowed.
- Sept. 1-Dec. 15: Quillayute (park boundary to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel) and Sol Duc (mouth to pump station at hatchery) open, daily limit 6 salmon, up to 3 may be adults, only 1 may be a wild Chinook and 1 of which may be a wild coho. Release wild coho through Sept 15. Release sockeye. One single point barbless hook allowed. Bait allowed. To avoid gear conflict with treaty fishing the Quillayute will be closed when treaty fishing is open during weeks 36-42.
- Sept. 1-Dec. 15: Bogachiel (mouth to 101 Bridge), and Calawah (mouth to 101 Bridge) salmon open. Daily limit 3 salmon, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release wild coho through Sept 15. Release sockeye. One single point barbless hook allowed. Bait allowed.
- Sept. 1-Dec. 15: Dickey (ONP boundary to the confluence of the East and West Forks); salmon open. Daily limit 3 salmon, up to 1 adult may be retained. Release wild coho through Sept 15. Release sockeye. One single point barbless hook allowed. Bait allowed.
Hoh River
- No sport salmon fishery April 1-Sept. 16 due to low forecast of spring/summer Chinook.
- Gamefish seasons scheduled to reopen under permanent rules June 1. Release all wild steelhead, only 1 single point barbless hook allowed and no bait allowed.
- Hoh River, below Oxbow, open Sept. 16-Nov. 30, Daily limit 4 fish, only 2 adults, of which only 1 may be a Chinook. One single point barbless hook. Bait allowed.
- Dec. 1 through Dec. 15: Daily limit 1 coho only.
- Hoh River, Oxbow to Morgans Crossing, open Oct 16-Nov. 30, Daily limit 4 fish, only 2 adults, of which only 1 may be a Chinook. One single point barbless hook. Bait allowed.
- Dec. 1 through Dec. 15: Daily limit 1 coho only. Bait prohibited.
Willapa Bay
Marine Area 2-1
-
June 24 - July 31, 2023: The recreational salmon fishing season is scheduled from June 24 through July 31, 2023, concurrent with the ocean rules for salmon (Area 2 rules apply).
-
Aug. 1, 2023 - Jan. 31, 2024: Daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained and wild Chinook must be released. 2-Pole Endorsement allowed.
-
The Willapa Bay Control Zone will be OPEN for the 2023-24 salmon season.
-
The North River Area Closure will be in effect from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, 2023.
Freshwater Systems
Willapa River, South Fork Willapa River, North River, Smith Creek, North Nemah River, Naselle River, and Bear River:
-
These rivers have a daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained, only 1 may be a wild coho.
-
Release wild Chinook
Palix River, Middle Nemah River, and South Nemah River:
-
These rivers have a daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained.
-
Release wild Chinook and wild coho
Niawiakum River and Fork Creek will be closed to salmon angling.
Naselle River: The section from Hwy 4 to 300' below the upstream entrance of the hatchery attraction channel in the Naselle River will be closed to salmon angling from Aug. 1 - Oct. 15, 2023. This section will re-open Oct. 16, 2023
Grays Harbor
Marine Area 2-2
-
Aug. 1 – Sept. 15, 2023: Open only in the North Bay for 1 salmon to be retain and wild Chinook and wild coho must be released.
-
Sept. 16 – Nov. 30, 2023: Open only in the East Bay for 2 salmon to be retain and Chinook must be released.
Freshwater Systems
Chehalis (Hwy 101 Bridge to South Elma Bridge):
-
Aug. 1 – Sept. 15, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish and adult salmon must be released. The 2-Pole Endorsement is allowed until the end of December.
Chehalis River (Hwy 101 Bridge to Fuller Bridge):
-
Sept. 16 – Nov. 30, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained and adult Chinook must be released.
-
Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 1 adult salmon allowed to be retained and all Chinook must be released.
Chehalis River (upriver of Fuller Bridge), Hoquiam, Wishkah, Wynoochee, Satsop, Black, Johns, and Elk rivers:
-
Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained and adult Chinook must be released.
-
Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 1 adult salmon allowed to be retained and all Chinook must be released.
Skookumchuck and Newaukum rivers:
-
Oct. 16 – Nov. 30, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained and adult Chinook must be released.
-
Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 1 adult salmon allowed to be retained and all Chinook must be released.
Humptulips River:
-
Sept. 1 – Sept. 30, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained and wild Chinook and wild coho must be released.
-
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 2 adult salmon allowed to be retained, of which only 1 can be a Chinook and wild Chinook and wild coho must be released.
-
Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023: Daily limit of 6 fish with 1 adult salmon allowed to be retained and all Chinook and wild coho must be released.
Washington's ocean waters (Marine areas 1-4)
2023 planned ocean salmon catch quotas
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approved a recreational Chinook catch quota of 39,000 fish, up from last year’s quota of 27,000. The PFMC, which establishes fishing seasons in ocean waters 3 to 200 miles off the Pacific coast, also adopted a quota of 159,600 hatchery coho for this year's recreational ocean fishery. This represents a decrease over last year’s initial coho quota of 168,000.
2023 planned ocean fishing seasons
Recreational ocean salmon fisheries open at different times depending on the area:
- Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco): Opens June 24. Open seven days per week with a daily limit of two salmon, no more than one of which may be a Chinook. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches and coho minimum size is 16 inches. Anglers must release wild coho.
- Marine Area 2 (Westport): Opens June 24. Open seven days per week with a daily limit of two salmon, no more than one of which may be a Chinook. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Anglers must release wild coho.
- Marine Area 3 (La Push): Opens June 17. Open seven days per week with a daily limit of two salmon, no more than one of which may be a Chinook; no chum may be retained beginning Aug. 1. Chinook minimum size is 24 inches and coho minimum size is 16 inches. Anglers must release wild coho. The La Push late-season salmon area Chinook-only “bubble” fishery is Oct. 3-7; daily limit of one Chinook
- Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay): Opens June 17. Open seven days per week with a daily limit of two salmon, no more than one of which may be a Chinook; no chum may be retained beginning Aug. 1. Chinook minimum size is 24 inches and coho minimum size is 16 inches. Anglers must release wild coho. Also beginning Aug. 1, no Chinook retention allowed east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line. Closed waters east of a true north-south line running through Sail Rock in July. Closed to salmon angling inside the area bounded by a line from Kydaka Point to Shipwreck Point.
- Each area will close Sept. 30, except the La Push area which will reopen for the La Push late-season salmon area fishery Oct. 3-7, or when their individual catch quota is met.
State/Tribal Agreements
The list of agreed fisheries (LOAF) is an annual document that includes a detailed list of fishing seasons and fishery agreements for treaty and non-treaty salmon fisheries in Puget Sound marine and freshwater areas.