Marine Area 3 recreational salmon season update

August 25, 2023

Action: Allows retention of wild coho.

Effective date: Aug. 26 through Oct. 7, 2023

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 3.

Rules:

  • Aug. 26 through Sept. 30: Daily limit 2. Chinook min. size 24”. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release chum.
  • Oct.1 through Oct. 2: Closed.
  • Oct. 3 through Oct. 7: Open only in the area north of 47°50'00 N. lat. and south of 48°00'00" N. lat. Daily limit 1 Chinook only. Chinook min. size 24”. Release all salmon other than Chinook.

Reason for action: Percentages of adipose marked coho have been lower than expected in ocean salmon fisheries this season. Quotas have been adjusted downward in a manner to ensure that impacts to wild coho are not increased from preseason expected rates and will remain within conservation limits by allowing their retention.

Additional information: Marine Areas 1 through 4 are scheduled to close Sept. 30, with an additional late season opening in Area 3 in early October, but areas could close earlier if quotas are met.

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.