2024 North of Falcon public meeting schedule

Photo by WDFW

Each year state, federal and tribal fishery managers gather to plan the Northwest's recreational and commercial salmon fisheries. This salmon season-setting process is known as North of Falcon, which refers to northern Oregon's Cape Falcon, the southern border of active management for Washington salmon stocks. Salmon migrate and are intercepted by fisheries from California up to Alaska.

The North of Falcon process coincides with meetings of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the federal authority responsible for setting ocean salmon seasons 3 to 200 miles off the Pacific coast. North of Falcon also functions in tandem with the Pacific Salmon Commission's Pacific Salmon Treaty agreements, which guide the conservation and management of salmon fisheries for the U.S. and Canada.

Several advisory groups that provide input to WDFW on salmon management meet throughout the North of Falcon process. More information on those groups – including meeting schedules and advisory group rosters – can be found on the advisory group homepage.

This page contains materials and recordings for 2024 meetings.

2024

January-February

Salmon run forecasts

WDFW and tribal governments develop forecasts of salmon runs.
March-April

Co-manager negotiations

WDFW and tribes hold government-to-government negotiations.
To view a schedule of these government-to-government negotiations, visit our North of Falcon State-tribal meeting schedule webpage.
Feb. 28

Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor forecast meeting
Presentation of management objectives and forecasts for Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
March 1

Initial forecasts released
WDFW and tribal governments release initial salmon forecasts for Columbia River, Puget Sound, and Washington Coast. This meeting has both in-person and online attendance options.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
March 6-11

Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting

Based on annual abundance forecasts, WDFW works with state, tribal, and federal fisheries managers at Pacific Fishery Management Council to develop preliminary options for ocean fisheries.
March 13

North of Falcon No. 1: Statewide proposals
The purpose of this meeting is to share management objectives and proposed fishery plans for sport and commercial fisheries in Puget Sound. This meeting has both in-person and virtual attendance options. Virtual attendees can stream the main presentation, as well as the recreational and commercial fisheries breakout rooms. Virtual attendees must register in advance.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
March 19

Coastal freshwater and Puget Sound recreational fisheries discussion
Discussion of management objectives and preliminary fishing opportunities for coastal freshwater and Puget Sound recreational fisheries in 2024.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
March 21

Columbia River fisheries downstream of the Snake River discussion
Discussion of forecasts, management objectives, and potential fisheries for Columbia River downstream of the Snake River. This meeting has both in-person and online attendance options. The initial overview will be followed by a recreational fishery discussion.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
March 21

Puget Sound freshwater and marine recreational fisheries
Discussion of management objectives and preliminary fishing opportunities for Puget Sound freshwater and marine recreational fisheries in 2024.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
March 25

Public hearing on salmon management alternatives

The purpose of this public hearing is to receive comments on the proposed management alternatives in preparation for adopting final salmon management recommendations at the April 2024 Council meeting.
March 27

North of Falcon No. 2: Puget Sound fishery proposals
WDFW fishery managers will present information and analysis of preliminary fishery proposals. With public participation, staff will discuss preferred options for Puget Sound sport and commercial fisheries. This meeting has both in-person and online attendance options.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
March 27

Upper Columbia and Snake River fisheries discussion
Discussion with WDFW fishery managers on forecasts and potential seasons for the upper Columbia (upstream of McNary Dam) and Snake rivers. This meeting will be in-person only. A video presentation on potential fishery options will be posted shortly before the meeting.
Meeting materials
- Recorded video presentation
- Presentation slides (PDF)
March 28

Joint Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor fisheries discussion
Additional discussion of management objectives and preliminary Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor fishing opportunities for 2024.
Meeting materials
April 6-11

Adopt final federal regulations

The Pacific Fishery Management Council adopts final recommended regulations for federal ocean fisheries.
April 7-11

WDFW North of Falcon morning briefing

WDFW hosts daily public briefings via Zoom to cover NOF updates, developments, and answer questions from the public.
April 16

Joint Willapa Bay/Grays Harbor final fisheries package
Post-North of Falcon review of the outcome of regulations and schedules for the 2024-25 fishing season.
Meeting recording
Meeting materials
April-May

Draft regulations developed

Draft regulations for state fisheries developed based on public input, co-manager negotiations, and PFMC final regulations.
Early June

Public comment

WDFW takes public comments on the proposed 2024-25 regulations package resulting from North of Falcon negotiations.
June

Regulations adopted

WDFW Director adopts state fishing regulations.

Ongoing co-management

2024 North of Falcon public meeting schedule

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