I sent an email to WDFW to clarify this issue. In summary they said that you have to release wild steelhead unless the river rules specifacally state you can keep them.

However, for salmon, if the river is open for salmon fishing you can keep wild salmon unless the river rules specifically state you can't.

Here is my question and their response:

I'm a little confused as to the regs.

On page 20 it says:

Wild STEELHEAD, DOLLY VARDEN/BULL TROUT, and SALMON may only be kept where
specifically authorized in the Special Rules.

On page 21 it says:

Release of wild STEELHEAD and Dolly Varden/Bull Trout is required year-round
in freshwater areas, unless specifically exempted in the Special Rules.

Notice page 21 omits SALMON.

In past years you could keep wild coho & pinks on the Skykomish & Snohomish,
however looking at the special regs there it doesn't specifically say you
can keep wild salmon. So should I go by page 20 or page 21?

Thanks

---------------

Thank you for your e-mail correspondence to the Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Fish Program.

On page 20, the word Wild refers to Steelhead only, not any of the other
species listed. We are considering how to re-word this for next year so
there is no confusion. It's been suggested that perhaps if we were to state
it as : "DOLLY VARDEN/BULL TROUT, SALMON, and Wild STEELHEAD, may only be
kept where specifically authorized in the Special Rules", it may be clearer,
we will be looking into the best option. Release of Wild Steelhead is a
very important message to get across, hence the reasoning for putting it
first to get better attention. Therefore, you will want to look in the
Additional Rules column for the body of water you are fishing to see if it
states Wild (species Coho, Chinook, Steelhead) release. During an open
season, if it does not say to release a species such as "release wild coho"
or "release wild adult chinook" etc. for example, then you are allowed to
retain them, such as Pinks on the Skykomish can be kept.

If you have further questions, please email again or call (360) 902-2700.
Our Customer Service hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday.

Sincerely,
Fish Program