The state’s 2020-21 salmon fishing seasons were tentatively set Friday during the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s annual meeting, held via webinar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued low returns of some key Chinook salmon stocks are expected to limit numerous fisheries this season.
”These seasons were determined with the goal of meeting conservation objectives while offering opportunities whenever possible, but we had some tough decisions to make this year,” said Washington Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind. “We appreciate the hard work of co-managers and everyone else who sat through long teleconferences and webinars to determine these seasons.”
Season recommendations now move forward for approval by the National Marine Fisheries Service and final rulemaking, including additional opportunity for public comment and consideration of those comments. According to the Pacific Fishery Management Council, those recommendations will be approved by May 6.
Washington’s ocean waters
Initial ocean fisheries reflect a reduced coho quota due to significantly lower projected returns in 2020. All four of Washington’s marine areas are scheduled to open June 20 for a Chinook-only fishery, then transition to a Chinook and coho fishery beginning June 29. Daily limits and days of the week open to salmon fishing vary between areas.
Westport area: The Department of Fish and Wildlife as of Monday had not posted any season summary information for the Grays Harbor area, stating it would be posted when finalized. But according to a post by the charter boat Slammer, the tentative agreement sets Westport subarea quotas at 9,800 coho and 12,460 Chinook. The first stretch of the season, June 20-28, runs seven days a week for a limit of one Chinook only. From June 29 through the scheduled end of the season Sept. 30, fishing will be open five days a week with a two-salmon limit, one of which may be a Chinook. The minimum size restriction for Chinook during the entire season is 22 inches.
Willapa Bay area: The recreational salmon fishing season in Willapa Bay (Marine Area 2-1) is scheduled from June 20 through July 31 concurrent with the ocean rules for salmon, according to Fish and Wildlife.
From Aug. 1, 2020-Jan. 31, 2021, anglers can keep two adult salmon, but must release unmarked Chinook. The Willapa Bay Control Zone will also be open at that time and the North River Area Closure will be in effect from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30.
The freshwater rivers in the Willapa Bay watershed will be able to retain two adult salmon but must release unmarked Chinook and unmarked coho.
North River, Smith Creek, and Bear River will be closed to salmon angling. South Fork Willapa River and Middle, North, and South Nemah rivers will close to salmon angling Oct. 1. The section from Highway 4 to the hatchery attraction channel in the Naselle River will be closed to salmon angling. The remainder of salmon regulations in the Naselle River will be similar to the 2019 fishery season. Regulations for Willapa River and Fork Creek will have similar opening and closing dates consistent with the 2019 fishery season.
More information
COVID-19 remains a factor going into the upcoming summer and fall fishing seasons, with the potential to continue impacting fisheries as the year continues, said Susewind. Many of the conversations during last week’s meeting included consideration of ongoing coronavirus impacts.
“The coronavirus remains the biggest unknown as we move ahead in the 2020 and 2021 fishing seasons,” Susewind said. “As with every aspect of life these days, we’ll have to be flexible to respond to any public health concerns.”
According to a Pacific Fishery Management Council statement, “Because state directives have resulted in the suspension of some fishing opportunity, NMFS may close federal salmon fisheries based on recommendations from state authorities to address public health concerns related to COVID-19, or because information essential to manage the fishery is unavailable.”
Additional information about this year’s sport salmon fisheries and the North of Falcon process can be found online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/nof.
