Marine Area 10 Opens To Chum Salmon Retention

Action: Fishing for chum salmon opens in Marine Area 10, with a daily limit of 2.

Effective Date: 12:01 a.m., Oct. 28, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016.

Species affected: Chum salmon

Location: Marine Area 10 within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Following the emergency closure of Marine Area 10 to all salmon fishing on Oct. 19 (due to estimated total encounters of chinook salmon reaching the allowable limits for the area), WDFW biologists have continued to assess the most recent monitoring data from Area 10. Puget Sound chum salmon runs are predicted to return as forecast. WDFW biologists estimate minimal impacts to chinook by opening to chum salmon retention, with a daily limit of 2 chum salmon through Jan. 31, 2016.

Other information: Anglers are reminded that they must continue to release all chinook and coho salmon in the Marine Area 10 recreational fishery per the emergency rule enacted on Oct. 19. Monitoring data collected from Oct.1-18 indicate that the allowable limit of total chinook encounters has been reached for the Area 10 winter mark-selective chinook fishery. Further, Puget Sound coho run sizes are below pre-season forecasts. Therefore, the winter recreational fishery in Area 10 will not reopen for chinook or coho retention.

Information contact: Laurie Peterson (360) 902-2790

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.