OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers announced today to temporarily suspend winter Chinook salmon fishing in central Puget Sound (Marine Area 10) to preserve opportunity in March. The closure goes into effect Saturday, Feb. 11 until further notice.

"Based on catch reports, test fishing, and information from anglers, there is still a large number of sublegal fish present in the area", said Dr. Kirsten Simonsen, WDFW's Puget Sound recreational salmon manager. "Suspending will allow us to fish later in the season when we typically start to see bigger Chinook in the area."  

Estimates of landed winter Chinook salmon catch to date indicate the fishery has reached 54% of the total encounters (3,860 of 7,152), 55% of sublegal encounters (3,443 or 6,295) and 77% of unmarked encounters (835 of 1,089) agreed to in the List of Agreed Fisheries. Feedback from Puget Sound recreational anglers indicated a priority for preserving fishing opportunity in March.

WDFW will continue analyzing the fishery data collected via test fishing and meet with constituents to decide on a reopening date.

Anglers should check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet and WDFW's emergency rules webpage and download the Fish Washington mobile app for up-to-date regulations at their destination.

Puget Sound salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon. The public is invited to participate in this process in late winter each year.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.