Salmon season closes April 4 in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2

April 1, 2016

Action: Closes fishing for salmon in Marine Area 8-1 and 8-2.

Effective Date: April 4 through April 30, 2016.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay) and 8-2 (Ports Susan and Gardner) within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, WDFW and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number (5,811) of chinook encounters (retaining or releasing fish) that anglers are allowed in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 combined. Preliminary estimates indicate that anglers will reach the limit for chinook encounters by April 4. WDFW is closing salmon fishing to ensure compliance with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans.

Other information: Salmon fishing will remain open in other areas, including marine areas 5, 9, 11, 12 and 13. Check the sport fishing rules pamphlet for details: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808.


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.