WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov

February 9, 2016

Salmon season closes Feb. 22 in Marine Area 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait)

Action: Closes fishing for salmon in Marine Area 6.

Effective Date: Feb. 22 through April 10, 2016.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 6 within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, WDFW and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number (2,586) of chinook encounters – retaining or releasing fish – anglers are allowed in Marine Area 6. Preliminary estimates indicate that anglers have caught and/or released 1,812 chinook and are expected to reach the limit for chinook encounters by Feb 22. WDFW is closing salmon fishing in Area 6 on Feb. 22 to ensure compliance with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans.

Other information: The daily catch limit for chinook salmon in Marine Area 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait) is at 1 fish, with a 2 salmon limit. All wild chinook salmon must be released.

WDFW will continue to evaluate the fishery and may consider reopening if additional encounters in Area 6 are available after the fishery closes. Salmon fishing remains open in other areas such as marine areas 7 and 9 and opens Feb. 16 in Marine Area 5. Check the Sport Fishing 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 fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Persons with disabilities who need to receive this information in an alternative format or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact Dolores Noyes by phone (360-902-2349), TTY (360-902-2207), or email (dolores.noyes@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/reasonable_request.html.

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