ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASE
This document is provided for archival purposes only. Archived documents
do not reflect current WDFW regulations or policy and may contain factual
inaccuracies.
News release July 1, 2022
Fish Program, 360-902-2700
OLYMPIA – Amid concerns of increased fishing pressure, fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today that salmon fishing in Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) will open only on even-numbered days following the Fourth of July weekend.
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 5 will close on odd-numbered days beginning July 5, then reopen on July 6 and on even-numbered days for the rest of July.
“We know this change may be disappointing to many anglers, but it’s necessary both to help ensure we’re meeting our conservation objectives for Chinook, and to prolong the season as much as possible,” said Kirsten Simonsen, Ph.D., WDFW Puget Sound recreational salmon biologist. “Our hope is that this gives anglers the opportunity to get out on the water throughout July, instead of prematurely closing the fishery altogether if the Chinook quota is exceeded.”
With Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) seeing high catch rates and closing in the coming days as it nears its Chinook quota, managers are concerned that fishing pressure will shift to marine areas 3 and 5; Marine Area 3 (La Push) will drop to a one-Chinook limit beginning July 4.
The alternating-day fishing schedule in Marine Area 5 was supported by Puget Sound recreational fishery advisors.
Daily salmon fishing is currently scheduled to resume in Marine Area 5 beginning Aug. 1, and continue through Sept. 28. Anglers should keep an eye on WDFW’s emergency fishing rules page for potential updates.
“The bulk of the Chinook run should move further into Puget Sound by August, and we hope to give anglers a chance to get out and fish on what’s expected to be a very healthy coho run this year,” Simonsen said. “That said, we’ll keep monitoring catch rates closely, and announce additional changes if needed.”
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 5 will close on July 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31; fishing will be open July 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30. On open days, permanent rules apply as listed in the 2022-23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.