July 26, 2023
Action: Opens salmon seasons for two additional days.
Effective date: July 28 through July 29, 2023.
Species affected: Salmon.
Location: Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands), see exceptions in additional information, below.
Rule: Salmon open Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29 only. Daily limit is two, including no more than one hatchery Chinook. Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon, no minimum size. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and chum.
Reason for action: Catch estimates for the Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) summer Chinook fishery indicate that through July 21, 78% of the harvest quota (1,696 of 2,181) has been reached, 23% of unmarked encounters (971 of 4,258) and 64% of sublegal encounters (1,618 of 2,554) have also been accounted for. Based on daily catch rates thus far, this allows space for two additional days of fishing to be added to the 2023 summer Chinook season.
Additional information:
The following areas remain closed to salmon fishing:
- Samish Bay
- Yellow and Low Island Preserves
- Southern Rosario Strait/Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Bellingham Bay
- Lummi Bay
For area descriptions and additional fishing rules please see the 2023/24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. Anglers are advised to check the emergency rules change on the WDFW’s website. If you would like to be notified of rule changes as they are announced, please sign up for the agency rule emails at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700.