August 18, 2023
Updated Aug. 25, 2023 to reflect update to landing and possession rules for Chinook and wild coho in Area 5. See FRC at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules/no-chinook-or-wild-coho-landing-or-possession-allowed-marine-area-5-2023-08.
Action: Changes salmon retention to include two (2) additional pink salmon.
Effective date: Aug. 19 through Sept. 30, 2023.
Species affected: Salmon.
Location: Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point), Marine Area 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca), and Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands).
Rule:
Marine Area 5 (entire area):
- Aug. 19 through Sept. 30: No minimum size. Daily limit two (2) plus two (2) additional pink salmon. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum. It is unlawful to land or possess Chinook or wild coho in Area 5.
Marine Area 6 (except Dungeness Bay Fishery area):
- Aug. 19 through Sept. 30: No minimum size. Daily limit two (2) plus two (2) additional pink salmon. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum.
Marine Area 7 (all areas when salmon retention is open by permanent rule except Bellingham Bay):
- Aug. 19 through Aug. 31: No minimum size. Daily limit two (2) plus two (2) additional pink salmon. Release Chinook, wild coho, and chum.
- Sept. 1 through Sept. 30: No minimum size. Daily limit two (2) including no more than (1) coho, plus two (2) additional pink salmon. Release chinook and chum.
Reason for action: The current run of Fraser River pink salmon is coming in above forecast, allowing for additional pink salmon retention in these Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries.
Additional information: Dungeness Bay is scheduled to open for hatchery coho beginning Oct. 1.
Bellingham Bay is currently open through Sept. 30 with a four (4) salmon daily limit.
See 2023/24 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional information on closed areas.
Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700.