WDFW invites comment on proposed rules to set 2023-24 salmon fishing seasons

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Photo by Chase Gunnell

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comment on proposed rules for the 2023-24 recreational and commercial salmon fishing seasons.

These rules represent the culmination of the annual North of Falcon salmon season-setting process, where state, federal, and tribal fishery managers work together to plan Washington’s commercial and recreational fishing seasons with input from the public. WDFW hosted more than a dozen online public meetings this spring to gather initial input from anglers around the state.

“We carefully considered all of the input we received through public meetings and our webpage as we developed these seasons,” said Kyle Adicks, WDFW’s intergovernmental salmon manager. “This formal comment period gives an additional opportunity for interested public to provide input on the proposed rules.”

The full recreational and commercial rule making package can be viewed on the WDFW rule making webpage. Members of the public can provide comment using the embedded web form, or by submitting comments using the email or phone options listed on the same page. Comments will be accepted until the end of the comment period on June 8, 2023.

WDFW will also take public comment during a public hearing beginning at 2 p.m. on June 8, 2023. That hearing will be conducted virtually; the public may register, tune in and provide comment by going to the WDFW webpage.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability.

For more information about the North of Falcon process, and to see tentative season summaries, visit the WDFW North of Falcon webpage.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.