FROM BARB REGION 6

Hello,

As you may be aware, the 2026 North of Falcon (NOF) salmon season setting process has begun. The public is invited to join WDFW at various public meetings throughout the NOF process to discuss fishery related issues and provide fishery suggestions or comments to help the Department draft recreational and commercial fishery regulation proposals for the 2026 salmon fisheries throughout the state.

Our 2026 North of Falcon regional fishery discussion public meetings are scheduled as follows; these meetings will include a trend and status review, 2026 Salmon forecasts, management objectives, and time for public input/comment.

February 27: Statewide Salmon Forecast Kickoff Meeting: Hybrid - in person (Olympia) and virtual 9 – 3 PM. This meeting will include a dedicated coastal breakout session with our regional staff who will be available to answer questions and provide valuable insight into coastal fisheries for Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and North Coast tributaries. This meeting will be hybrid, giving you the flexibility to join in person or virtually.

March 12: Coastal Fisheries – Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and North Coast Joint Fisheries Discussion: Virtual Zoom Meeting 6 – 8 PM

March 26: Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal Joint Recreational Fisheries Discussion: Virtual Zoom Meeting 6 – 8 PM


The full 2026 North of Falcon public meeting schedule as well as links to register for any public meeting during the North of Falcon process can be found on our website, 2026 North of Falcon public meeting schedule | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Regional staff created a new NorthCoast@dfw.wa.gov email that we will use to share fisheries related updates for the North Coast areas, similar to the emails we use for Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. If you know of anyone interested in receiving emails from the Department regarding Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, or North Coast fisheries, please forward this email and have them to reply to WillapaBay@dfw.wa.gov, GraysHarbor@dfw.wa.gov, or NorthCoast@dfw.wa.gov (depending on your interest) stating they would like to be added to our email distribution list and provide which areas they are interested.

Thank you for your interest in our coastal salmon fisheries.