Westport Chinook Retention To Close Early Next Week

Editor’s note: The federal notice today from NMFS actually states Chinook fishing in Marine Area 2 will be prohibited starting at 12:01 a.m. August 23 versus “August 22” in WDFW’s rule change notice below; on Facebook WDFW stated it begins August 23.

THE FOLLOWING IS A RULE CHANGE NOTICE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Marine Area 2 recreational salmon season update

Action: Sets closure date for Chinook retention and makes possession of Chinook onboard a vessel unlawful on days not open to Chinook possession.

Species affected: Chinook Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 2.

Effective Dates and Rules:

Aug. 18, through Aug. 22, 2022:

Sundays through Thursdays: Daily limit 2, no more than 1 of which may be a Chinook. Chinook min. size 22”. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release wild coho.

Fridays and Saturdays: Daily limit 2. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release Chinook and wild coho. Possession of Chinook onboard a vessel, including in transit, is unlawful.

Aug. 22, through Sept. 30, 2022: 

Daily limit 2. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release Chinook and wild coho. Possession of Chinook onboard a vessel, including in transit, is unlawful.

Reason for action:  Through Aug. 14, 77 percent of the Marine Area 2 Chinook guideline has been taken (9,353 of 12,070).

Due to the high Chinook catch rates so far this season, this action is necessary to not exceed the modest Chinook guideline and preserve the length of the season while continuing to allow opportunity to access significant coho abundance and fish for salmon seven days per week.