Salmon season opens off the Washington coast on June 22, when recreational anglers will have the opportunity to cast for Chinook and hatchery-marked Coho at Neah Bay, La Push …
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Salmon season opens off the Washington coast on June 22, when recreational anglers will have the opportunity to cast for Chinook and hatchery-marked Coho at Neah Bay, La Push and Ilwaco — also known as Marine Areas 4, 3, and 1.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approved a recreational Chinook catch quota of 41,000 fish — up slightly from last year’s quota of 39,000. The PFMC, which establishes fishing seasons in ocean waters three to 200 miles off the Pacific coast, also adopted a quota of 79,800 hatchery-marked Coho for this year’s recreational ocean fishery.
This year’s hatchery-marked Coho quota represents a decrease over last year’s quota of 159,600. Despite the decrease, fisheries managers say the numbers should still should provide anglers with ample opportunity.
“These approved quotas should offer ocean anglers a quality fishing season, while meeting federal and state conservation objectives for all salmon stocks,” said Alexandrea Safiq, marine salmon policy coordinator with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
As the season progresses, fish and wildlife managers may use in-season management to sustain season length and keep the harvest within the total allowable catch. Some marine areas may close early if the quota is met.
Local season details
Marine Area 3 (La Push)
The 2024 season begins June 22 and ends Sept. 15. Fishing is open seven days a week, with a daily limit of two salmon, one of which may be a Chinook. No chum salmon may be retained beginning Aug. 1. The minimum size for Chinook salmon is 24 inches. The minimum size for hatchery-marked Coho is 16 inches. Anglers must release wild Coho salmon.
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay)
The 2024 season opens June 22 and ends Sept. 15. Anglers can fish seven days a week, with a daily limit of two salmon, one of which may be a Chinook. No chum salmon may be kept beginning Aug. 1. The minimum size for Chinook is 24 inches. The minimum size for hatchery-marked Coho is 16 inches. Anglers must release wild Coho salmon.
For complete regulations, including licensing information, salmon catch updates and other details, anglers can visit the WDFW’s web page.
