Early Salmon Closure For Marine Areas 8-1 & 8.2 (deception Pass, Hope Island, & Skagit Bay - Port Susan And Gardner Bay) Sunday, April 3rd Will Be The Last Day

Once again we have received a last minute salmon closure notice. It always amazes me how they anounce these notices after WDFW has closed for the weekend. Wonder Why?

Salmon season closes April 4 in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2

Action: Closes fishing for salmon in Marine Area 8-1 and 8-2.

Effective Date: April 4 through April 30, 2016.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay) and 8-2 (Ports Susan and Gardner) within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, WDFW and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number (5,811) of chinook encounters (retaining or releasing fish) that anglers are allowed in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 combined. Preliminary estimates indicate that anglers will reach the limit for chinook encounters by April 4. WDFW is closing salmon fishing to ensure compliance with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans.

Other information: Salmon fishing will remain open in other areas, including marine areas 5, 9, 11, 12 and 13. Check the sport fishing rules pamphlet for details: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.