21st April Last Day To Fish Salmon In Marine Area 7, San Juan Islands

Marine Area 7 recreational salmon season to close

Action: Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) will close to salmon fishing at the end of the day April 21.

Effective Date:  12: 01 a.m. April 22 through April 30, 2017.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location:  Marine Area 7.

Reason for action: Preliminary estimates and fishery projections indicate that Marine Area 7 will exceed the allowable limit of total chinook encounters – including both retained and released fish – prior to the planned April 30 closure date.  The fishery is being closed to control impacts on stocks of concern and ensure compliance with conservation objectives. 

Other information:  Through April 21, Marine Area 7 has a one hatchery chinook limit. Salmon fishing remains open in other areas, including marine areas 5, 8-1, 8-2, 11, 12 and 13.  Check the sport fishing rules page for details: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.  The most recent preliminary estimates can be found at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports_plants.html.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808, or Mark Baltzell, (360) 902-2807.