Westport (marine Area 2) Chinook Limit Increases To Two Effective July 23rd

Anglers can keep two chinook off Westport beginning July 23

Action: Anglers will be allowed to keep two salmon daily in Marine Area 2 (Westport). Anglers will be allowed to keep up to two chinook daily but must release coho.

Effective date: July 23, 2016.

Species affected: Chinook.

Locations: Marine Area 2 (Westport), marine waters stretching from the Queets River to Leadbetter Point.

Reason for action: The fishery has sufficient chinook remaining within the guideline to increase the daily limit without much risk of having to close early. Through July 17, anglers had caught 13.9 percent (2,305 fish) of the 16,600 chinook guideline for Marine Area 2.The current limit is one salmon, no coho retention.

Other information: The changes announced today do not affect ocean salmon fisheries off Ilwaco (Marine Area 1), La Push (Marine Area 3) or Neah Bay (Marine Area 4).

The daily limit in Marine Area 1 remains at two salmon, only one of which can be a chinook, release wild coho.

The daily limits in marine areas 3 and 4 remain at two salmon, no coho retention. Release chum in Marine Area 4 beginning Aug. 1.

Information Contact: Wendy Beeghley, ocean salmon manager for WDFW, (360) 249-1215