THE FOLLOWING IS A WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE NOTICE
Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) recreational salmon season update
August 12, 2026
Action: Closes salmon angling in a portion of Marine Area 1.
Effective date: Aug. 13–Sept. 30, 2026.
Species affected: Salmon.
Location: Waters of Marine Area 1 north of 46° 15’ N and east of 124° 08.667’ W
Rules and Locations:
Marine Area 1, north of 46° 15’ N and east of 124° 08.667’ W (This is the area from approximately mid-mouth Columbia River north and within approximately 3 miles of shore.):
- Closed to salmon fishing.
Marine Area 1, outside of the area listed above:
- Daily limit two, including no more than one Chinook. Chinook minimum size 22 inches. Coho minimum size 16 inches. Other salmon species no minimum size. Release wild coho.
Reason for action: Chinook catches have been higher than expected in Marine Area 1. Chinook fishing near shore has been particularly effective. Closing this near-shore area to salmon fishing will reduce Chinook catch, increasing the likelihood that sufficient Chinook guideline will remain allowing for salmon fisheries later in the season.
Additional information: Columbia River Control Zone is closed to fishing for salmon, except open to fishing from the north jetty when adjacent waters north of the Control Zone are open to fishing for salmon or the Buoy 10 fishery is open to fishing for salmon. Closure of this portion of Marine Area 1 to salmon angling does not restrict salmon angling from the north jetty. Salmon minimum size and daily limits on the north Jetty follow the most liberal regulations from either Marine Area 1 or the Columbia River Buoy 10 fishery (from Buoy 10 to the Megler Astoria Bridge).
Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700
