August 3, 2023
Action: Closes retention of Chinook and changes coho daily limit to one (1).
Species affected: Chinook and coho salmon.
Effective dates and locations:
- Effective Aug. 4 through Oct. 31, 2023: Marine Area 10, except East Elliott Bay and year-round piers (Bremerton Boardwalk, Illahee State Park Pier, Seacrest Pier, and Waterman Pier).
- Effective Aug. 18 through Oct. 31, 2023: East Elliott Bay (Waters of Elliott Bay east of a line from Duwamish Head to Pier 91 up to the mouth of the Duwamish River including Harbor Island.
Rules: Salmon daily limit two (2) including no more than one (1) coho. No minimum size. Release Chinook and chum.
Reason for action: The current estimate of Chinook sublegal encounters for the summer fishery is 9,471 of 7,748 total sublegal encounters (122%) agreed to in this year’s List of Agreed Fisheries (LOAF). Therefore, WDFW will close the fishery to Chinook retention.
Additionally, the current estimate of coho catch for the month of July is 11,665 coho. The preseason expected catch of coho in the month of July was 4,810 coho, almost 250% above the expected catch. The retention limit for coho is being reduced to minimize impacts on coho stocks of concern.
Additional information: Year-round piers (Bremerton Boardwalk, Illahee State Park Pier, Seacrest Pier, and Waterman Pier remain open under permanent rules listed in the 2023/24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Anglers can be notified of any Fishing Rule Changes by email, as soon as they are announced, by signing up for rule change notices at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700.