Marine Area 7 to open for an additional day of salmon fishing

July 19, 2023

Action: Opens salmon seasons for one additional day.

Effective date: July 21, 2023.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 7 (See exceptions in Addition information, below.)

Rule: Salmon open Friday, July 21st only. Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 hatchery Chinook. Chinook min. size 22”. Other salmon, no min. size.  Release wild Chinook, wild Coho, and Chum.

Reason for action: Catch estimates for the Marine Area 7 summer Chinook fishery indicate that through July 15th, 2023, we have reached 76% of the harvest quota (1,664 of 2,181), 27% of unmarked encounters (1,142 of 4,258) and 30% of sublegal encounters (761 of 2,554).  Based on daily catch rates thus far, this allows space for one additional day of fishing to be added to the 2023 summer Chinook season.

Additional information:

The following areas remain closed to salmon:

  • Samish Bay
  • Yellow and Low Island Preserves
  • Southern Rosario Strait/Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
  • Bellingham Bay
  • Lummi Bay

For area descriptions and additional fishing rules please see the 2023/24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

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.