Fish Friendly and General Information

General commercial salmon fishery information including: pre-season, in-season, and post-season distributions.

For the latest regulatory information on seasons and emergency changes, please check the commercial Puget Sound salmon hotline message page, or call the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Hotline at 360-515-4475.

For additional information or questions please contact the Puget Sound commercial salmon manager at 360-902-2717, or Puget Sound commercial salmon biologist at 360-902-2677.

Fish Friendly Certification and Attestation

Each year WDFW hosts a “Fish Friendly: Best Fishing Practice” workshop for new commercial fishers wanting to participate in any Area 7 or Area 7A commercial salmon fishery. This workshop details requirements such as brailing, recovery boxes, and limited soak times, needed for participation in the Area 7/7A fisheries. Upon completion of online training, fishers receive a department-issued “Fish Friendly” certification card. This certification does not expire, however, a valid card must be held by the licensed operator or alternate operator. Below, are the sections of the WAC authorizing this certification requirement:

WAC 220-354-100 (8)

It is unlawful to fish for salmon with purse seine gear in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 7 and 7A unless the vessel operator has attended a "Fish Friendly" best fishing practices workshop and is in immediate possession of a department-issued certification card.

WAC 220-354-140 (6)

It is unlawful to fish for salmon with gillnet gear in Areas 7 and 7A unless the vessel operator has attended a "Fish Friendly" best fishing practices workshop and is in possession of a department-issued certification card.

Fish Friendly Onine (20min)

Once you have completed and viewed the entire Fish Friendly Online presentation. Use the link below to download your Attestation form. These forms should be electronically sent to pscommercialsalmon@dfw.wa.gov. Once received, our Licensing program will mail you your Fish Friendly Certification.

Fish Friendly Online attestation form (PDF)