Salmon season closes April 4 in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2

April 1, 2016

Action: Closes fishing for salmon in Marine Area 8-1 and 8-2.

Effective Date: April 4 through April 30, 2016.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay) and 8-2 (Ports Susan and Gardner) within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, WDFW and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number (5,811) of chinook encounters (retaining or releasing fish) that anglers are allowed in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 combined. Preliminary estimates indicate that anglers will reach the limit for chinook encounters by April 4. WDFW is closing salmon fishing to ensure compliance with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans.

Other information: Salmon fishing will remain open in other areas, including marine areas 5, 9, 11, 12 and 13. Check the sport fishing rules pamphlet for details: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808.


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.