Marine Area 2 recreational salmon season update

July 26, 2023

Updated July 28, 2023 to clarify salmon seasons for Marine Area 2-1 and Marine Area 2-2 west of Buoy 13 in the Additional Information section. 

Action: Opens coastal salmon fisheries.

Effective date: Immediately, through Sept. 30, 2023.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 2.

Effective Dates and Rules:

  • Immediately through July 27, 2023: Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Chinook min. size 22”. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release wild coho.
  • July 28 through Sept. 30, 2023:
    • Sundays through Thursdays: Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 Chinook. Chinook min. size 22”. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release wild coho.
    • Fridays and Saturdays: Daily limit 2. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release Chinook and wild coho. It is unlawful to possess Chinook onboard a vessel in Marine Area 2, including in transit.

Additional information: Willapa Bay (Area 2-1) is open under the same rules as Area 2 through July 31, including required Chinook release on Friday July 28 and Saturday July 29.  Regulations for Area 2-1 change in August, details are listed in the 2023/24 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. That portion of Grays Harbor (Area 2-2) west of the Buoy 13 line is open under the same rules as Area 2, through September 30, including required Chinook release every Friday and Saturday.

Grays Harbor Control Zone is open for salmon through Sept. 30, 2023.

The catch quotas for recreational fisheries North of Cape Falcon in 2023 are 39,000 Chinook and 159,600 marked coho, with an Area 2 Chinook guideline of 17,210 and Area 2 coho quota of 59,050.

Marine Areas 1 through 4 are scheduled to close Sept. 30, but areas may close earlier if quotas are met.

Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700

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. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

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.