Recreational salmon fishing gets underway June 23

Anglers can reel in salmon off the Washington coast beginning June 23, when three marine areas open for recreational salmon fishing.

Marine areas 1 (Ilwaco), 3 (La Push), and 4 (Neah Bay) will be open daily starting Saturday, June 23. Marine Area 2 (Westport) will be open Sundays through Thursdays beginning Sunday, July 1.

Fewer chinook salmon are expected to make their way through Washington's ocean waters this year as compared to 2017, said Wendy Beeghley, a fishery manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Beeghley said the agency anticipates a return of coho fairly similar to last year's return.

The recreational chinook catch quota this year is 27,500 fish, which is 17,500 fewer fish than 2017's quota of 45,000. Meanwhile, the coho quota is 42,000 fish, the same as in 2017.

Although all four marine areas are scheduled to close Sept. 3, Beeghley reminds anglers that areas could close earlier if the quota is met. Throughout the summer, anglers can check WDFW's webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/creel/ocean/ for updates.

In marine areas 1, 2, and 4, anglers will be allowed to retain two salmon, only one of which can be a chinook. Anglers fishing in Marine Area 3 will have a two-salmon daily limit. In all marine areas, anglers must release wild coho.

More information about the fisheries can be found in the 2018-19 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, available at license vendors and sporting goods stores and online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.