Chum Fishing Opens In More Of Area 13, Plus Kennedy Creek

THE FOLLOWING IS A FISHING RULE CHANGE NOTICE FROM WDFW

Chum retention opens in deep South Sound and Kennedy Creek, remains open in Carr Inlet

Action: Opens chum salmon retention within portions of Marine Area 13 and Kennedy Creek listed below.

Effective date: Immediately, through Dec. 7, 2023.

Species affected: Chum salmon.

Locations and rules:

• Marine Area 13 waters northerly and westerly of a line projected from the Johnson Point (47°10’40.8″N, 122°48’53.3″W) to Devil’s Head (47°10’01.2″N, 122°46’01.5″W).
• Marine Area 13 waters of Carr Inlet northerly of a line projected from Penrose Point (47°15’53.6″N, 122°44’11.5″W) to Green Point (47°16’55.2″N, 122°41’41.8″W).
• Kennedy Creek from mouth (an arc 500 yards east of the midpoint of the northbound Highway 101 Bridge) to the northbound Highway 101 Bridge.

Marine Area 13, deep South Sound and Carr Inlet (waters listed above):

• Effective immediately, through Dec. 7, 2023: Salmon daily limit is two (2). Chinook minimum size is 22 inches. Other salmon species no minimum size. Release wild coho and wild Chinook.

Kennedy Creek from mouth to northbound Highway 101 Bridge (described above):

• Effective immediately, through Dec. 7, 2023: Salmon daily limit is two (2). Minimum size is 12 inches. Release wild coho and wild Chinook. Night Closure and Selective gear rules are in effect.

Reason for action: In-season estimates of chum returns to Puget Sound indicate that there are sufficient returning numbers to allow for limited recreational harvest in the areas listed and presents low risk of negatively impacting natural stocks returning to South Sound. These actions have been agreed to with co-managers.

Additional information: Waters of Marine Area 13 not covered above (which include waters surrounding Anderson Island and around the Nisqually River) remain under rules listed in the 2023/2024 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet and require release of chum salmon. Reminder, Kennedy Creek remains closed to all fishing and harvest other than the salmon opportunity listed.

Anglers should continue to check emergency regulations for new and changing seasons or sign up for email notifications on any rule change at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists. In addition, anglers are reminded to refer to the 2023/2024 Washington Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet for other rules and regulations.