Chum retention opens in deep South Sound, Kennedy Creek, and Carr Inlet

October 29, 2024

Action:  Opens chum salmon retention within portions of Marine Area 13 and Kennedy Creek listed below.

Effective dates:  Nov. 1 through Dec. 7, 2024. .

Species affected: Chum salmon.

Map of Puget Sound with areas highlighted for chum retention.

Locations:  

  • Marine Area 13 waters northerly and westerly of a line projected from the Johnson Point (47°10'40.8"N, 122°48'53.3"W) to Devil’s Head (47°10'01.2"N, 122°46'01.5"W).
  • Marine Area 13 waters of Carr Inlet northerly of a line projected from Penrose Point (47°15'53.6"N, 122°44'11.5"W) to Green Point (47°16'55.2"N, 122°41'41.8"W) 
  • Kennedy Creek: From mouth (an arc 500 yards east of the midpoint of the northbound Hwy. 101 Bridge) to the northbound Hwy. 101 Bridge

Rules: 

  • Marine Area 13: deep South Sound and Carr Inlet (waters listed above):  Salmon daily limit two. Chinook minimum size 22 inches. Other salmon species no minimum size. Release wild coho and wild Chinook. 
  • Kennedy Creek:  Mouth to northbound Hwy. 101 Bridge (described above): Salmon daily limit two. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild coho and wild Chinook. Night Closure and Selective gear rules in effect. 

Reason for action: In-season estimates of chum returns to Puget Sound indicate that there are sufficient returning numbers to allow for limited recreational harvest in the areas listed and presents low risk of negatively impacting natural stocks returning to South Sound. These actions have been agreed to with co-managers. 

Additional information: Waters of Marine Area 13 not covered above (which include waters surrounding Anderson Island and around the Nisqually River) remain under rules listed in the 2024/2025 Washington Sport Fishing Rules and require release of chum salmon. 

Anglers are encouraged to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. 

Information contact:  Fish Program, (360) 902-2700

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.