Anglers limited to 1 chinook per day in marine areas 8-1 and 8-2.

October 25, 2016

Action: The daily limit for hatchery chinook salmon in marine areas 8-1 and 8-2 will be reduced to 1 chinook, with a 2 salmon limit. All coho and wild chinook salmon must be released.

Effective locations and dates:

Marine Area 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island and Skagit Bay): Nov. 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017.

Marine Area 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner): Nov. 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017.

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number of chinook encounters - retaining or releasing fish - anglers are allowed in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2.

The department is modifying these fisheries to try to stay within the agreed to number of encounters, increasing the likelihood of providing season-long fisheries. WDFW consulted with its Puget Sound sportfishing advisors in making this change.

Other information: WDFW will continue to monitor and evaluate these marine area fisheries.

Information Contact: Mark Baltzell, (360) 902-2807 or Ryan Lothrop (360) 902-2808.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.