August 17, 2022
Action: Sets closure date for Chinook retention and makes possession of Chinook onboard a vessel unlawful on days not open to Chinook possession.
Species affected: Chinook Salmon.
Location: Marine Area 2.
Effective Dates and Rules:
Aug. 18, through Aug. 22, 2022:
Sundays through Thursdays: Daily limit 2, no more than 1 of which may be a Chinook. Chinook min. size 22”. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release wild coho.
Fridays and Saturdays: Daily limit 2. Coho min. 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release Chinook and wild coho. Possession of Chinook onboard a vessel, including in transit, is unlawful.
Aug. 23, through Sept. 30, 2022:
Daily limit 2. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release Chinook and wild coho. Possession of Chinook onboard a vessel, including in transit, is unlawful.
Reason for action: Through Aug. 14, 77 percent of the Marine Area 2 Chinook guideline has been taken (9,353 of 12,070).
Due to the high Chinook catch rates so far this season, this action is necessary to not exceed the modest Chinook guideline and preserve the length of the season while continuing to allow opportunity to access significant coho abundance and fish for salmon seven days per week.
Additional information: Grays Harbor Control Zone is closed.
The catch quotas for recreational fisheries North of Cape Falcon in 2022 are 27,000 Chinook and 168,000 marked coho, with an Area 2 Chinook guideline of 12,070 and Area 2 coho quota of 62,160.
Marine Areas 1 through 4 are scheduled to close Sept. 30, but areas may close earlier if quotas are met.
Anglers can be notified of in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW Regulation Updates at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700.