WSR 26-10-091
PROPOSED RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-02—Filed May 6, 2026, 9:13 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-03-066 on January 16, 2026.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: 2026 North of Falcon Puget Sound commercial salmon seasons. The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) is proposing amendments to: WAC 220-354-050 Registration and limited participation salmon net fishery, 220-354-080 Puget Sound salmon—Closed areas, 220-354-120 Puget Sound salmon—Purse seine—Open periods, 220-354-140 Puget Sound salmon—Lawful gear—Gillnet, 220-354-160 Puget Sound salmon—Gillnet—Open periods, 220-354-170 Puget Sound salmon—Lawful gear—Reef nets, 220-354-180 Puget Sound salmon—Reef net—Open periods, and 220-354-210 Puget Sound salmon—Beach seine—Open periods.
Hearing Location(s): On June 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iEWprDVdTnOkbrna7tfD1Q. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Date of Intended Adoption: On or after June 10, 2026.
Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98501, email nof2026coastalcomcr102@publicinput.com, voice mail 855-925-2801, project code 3081, website https://engage.wadfw.wa.gov/nof2026coastalcomcr102, beginning May 6, 2026, 4:00 p.m., by June 9, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact civil rights compliance coordinator, phone 833-885-1012, TTY 711, email CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov, web https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, by June 1, 2026.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rules were developed through the annual North of Falcon salmon season setting process, which began in January 2026, and provide the season schedule for the 2026 commercial fisheries in Puget Sound.
These proposed rules regulate the commercial fisheries in Puget Sound and are part of a comprehensive rule-making package to implement the new 2026-2027 salmon seasons for Washington state developed through the broader North of Falcon process pursuant to the fish and wildlife commission's (commission) North of Falcon Policy C-3608 for 2024-2028. As such, the seasons specified in these proposed rules are structured in a coordinated manner intended to provide commercial and recreational fishing opportunities in Puget Sound while ensuring conservation requirements and management objectives in federal and state laws and regulations, state/tribal harvest management agreements, and commission policies are met. Even though drafted as amendments to preceding rules, these new amendments function as a coordinated and unitary fishery package for the 2026-2027 fishery season, and thus substantively replace prior years' fisheries in Puget Sound. Comments should be considered and provided with that understanding.
The intent of this rule-making proposal is to replace and supersede the language in these WAC entirely: WAC 220-354-050 Registration and limited participation salmon net fishery, 220-354-080 Puget Sound salmon—Closed areas, 220-354-120 Puget Sound salmon—Purse seine—Open periods, 220-354-140 Puget Sound salmon—Lawful gear—Gillnet, 220-354-160 Puget Sound salmon—Gillnet—Open periods, 220-354-170 Puget Sound salmon—Lawful gear—Reef nets, 220-354-180 Puget Sound salmon—Reef net—Open periods, and 220-354-210 Puget Sound salmon—Beach seine—Open periods.
WDFW is proposing specific revisions to these rules to describe the seasons and dates for these fisheries for 2026; however, all of the provisions encompassed within the WAC sections listed above are available for public review and comment, and WDFW will consider all public comments received on this rule making.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed rules were developed through the annual North of Falcon salmon season setting process, which is an extensive comanager and stakeholder engagement process to develop and analyze various season options for recreational, commercial, and treaty fisheries for the current year. It is named "North of Falcon" as it includes setting the salmon seasons for the area north of Cape Falcon, Oregon, which is located at 45˚N. latitude.
The North of Falcon process typically begins in January and consists of government-to-government meetings involving the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), treaty tribes, and WDFW representatives. Separate meetings are held with stakeholders, both at a statewide and regional level, to review preseason run size forecasts and NMFS guidance relative to allowable impacts for species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which includes salmon, but other protected species as well, such as southern resident killer whales.
Ocean fishery seasons are developed through the Pacific Fishery Management Council process, which is concurrent with and part of the broader North of Falcon process, with meetings in early March and early April. Ocean fishery options are also analyzed and considered in light of potential ESA-listed species impacts and state/tribal harvest agreements and are also reviewed for consistency with the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Meeting schedules and information can be found on WDFW's website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falcon.
Stakeholder meetings specific to the Puget Sound fisheries were held in February and March. The comprehensive North of Falcon meeting schedule and the meeting agendas, handouts, and audio recordings of the public meetings are available on WDFW's website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falcon/public-meetings.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: WDFW, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Christina Iverson, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2717; Implementation: Kyle Adicks, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2664; and Enforcement: Chief Steve Bear, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, 360-902-2373.
A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW
28A.305.135.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW
34.05.328. The proposed rule is exempt under RCW
34.05.328 (5)(a).
This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:
Explanation of exemptions: WDFW is exempt from the requirements of chapter
19.85 RCW because, while WDFW considers commercial fishers to be a "small business," the commercial fishing rules proposed for 2026-2027 do not affect these small businesses by imposing new direct costs of regulatory compliance. These rule changes clarify dates for anticipated open periods and areas for full-fleet and limited-participation salmon fisheries, and legal gear requirements for those fisheries. There are no new anticipated professional services required to comply. Based on WDFW's analysis, the proposed rules do not require any new or additional equipment, supplies, labor, or administrative costs.
Scope of exemption for rule proposal:
Is fully exempt.
May 6, 2026
Scott Bird
Rules Coordinator
RDS-7171.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-13-088, filed 6/16/25, effective 7/17/25)
WAC 220-354-050Registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries.
(1) ((Registration and limited participation salmon net fishery definition:)) For the purpose of this section, "registration and limited participation salmon net fishery" refers to any of the following commercial gillnet and purse seine fisheries:
(a) Catch Reporting Area 10 pink (odd-years only).
(b) Catch Reporting Area ((7B coho))7/7A sockeye (every year) and pink (odd-years only).
(c) Catch Reporting ((Area 7/7A sockeye (every year) and pink (odd-years only).
(d) Catch Reporting)) Areas ((7/7A,)) 10/11((,)) and 12/12B/12C chum.
(2) Authorization of registration and limited participation fisheries.
(a) The director may authorize a registration and limited participation salmon net fishery when a harvestable number of salmon is determined to be available, but unknown participation or full-fleet participation fishing effort presents risk of:
(((a)))(i) Exceeding the available harvest; or
(((b)))(ii) Compromising other specific management objectives.
(((3)))(b) The director may ((establish))authorize a registration and limited participation salmon net fishery for purposes including, but not limited to:
(((a)))(i) Experimental or developmental fisheries;
(((b)))(ii) Fisheries necessary to refine run size data;
(((c)))(iii) Fisheries necessary to provide biological information; and
(((d) Cases where:
(i)))(iv) Other specific management objectives have been identified including, but not limited to, the following:
(A) Reducing levels of incidental catch of wild salmon stocks and reducing incidental catch of nontarget salmon species originating from regions other than the fishing area;
(((ii)))(B) There is a reasonable expectation that foregone opportunity will be claimed, and the harvestable surplus cannot be carried forward to the next year of harvest; and
(((iii)))(C) Full-fleet participation, even with time, space, or gear restrictions, may exceed the harvest ((goal))bounds and conservation goals.
(((4) The number of units of each gear type selected to participate in a))(c) When setting effort and catch limits for registration and limited participation salmon net ((fishery will reflect the most recent ratio of gear types in the full-fleet fishery directed at the species in question, except when conservation concerns, biological data collection needs, or specific management objectives dictate alternative ratios or use of a single gear type.
(5) Preseason commercial salmon application for a registration and limited participation salmon net fishery: A person who owns a valid department issued commercial salmon license must apply and register for the fisheries described in subsection (1) of this section by submitting an online preseason commercial salmon application to the department. License holders include: License owner, primary operator, alternate operator(s), or license lessees. Submission of the online preseason commercial salmon application is required to be an eligible participant in any registration and limited participation salmon net fishery as described in subsection (1) of this section.
(a) Preseason commercial salmon application requirements:
(i) License holders must submit a separate online preseason commercial salmon application for each registration and limited participation fishery the applicant wishes to register for.
(ii) Select one gear type: Gillnet or purse seine.
(iii) Provide a valid commercial salmon license number.
(iv) Provide a valid vessel name and vessel ID number.
(v) Provide a valid license holder name (first and last).
(vi) Provide a valid mailing address.
(vii) Provide a valid email address.
(viii) Provide a valid phone number that can receive standard text messages.
(b)))fisheries, historic catch sharing ratios between license types will be considered.
(d) Agreement to participate in an authorized registration and limited participation salmon net fishery may require a department observer on board a participating vessel, per RCW 77.12.071. (3) Definitions:
(a) "License holder(s)" include owners of license types identified in RCW 77.65.160, and the primary and alternate operators associated with that license. (b) "Active license" means a current Puget Sound commercial salmon license that has been renewed and activated for the current year through the department's commercial licensing program, for which the license holder has received an imprint card with the license number, a designated registered vessel ID or name, and a designated primary operator.
(c) "Limited fishery opening" means a registration and limited participation salmon net fishery opening in which catch or effort limits are authorized by the director.
(d) "Priority registration list" means the department's official list of gillnet and purse seine license holders eligible to participate in and receive in-season commercial salmon applications for each registration and limited participation salmon net fishery.
(e) "On-time application" means a preseason commercial salmon application submitted on or before the applicable fishery deadline.
(f) A "late application" means a preseason commercial salmon application submitted after the applicable fishery deadline.
(g) "Processing period" means the five-business day period that begins on the date and time a late preseason commercial salmon application is received by the department, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Washington state holidays as established under RCW 1.16.050. (h) "Response window" means the period of time specified by the department, which a license holder must submit a primary or secondary in-season commercial salmon application. The response window and applicable management week shall be communicated to the license holder at the time the application is issued.
(4) Preseason commercial salmon application process:
(a) A license holder is required to submit a preseason commercial salmon application to be eligible for any registration and limited participation salmon net fishery. A single preseason commercial salmon application covers all fisheries for that gear type and license number.
(b) Preseason commercial salmon application requirements. License holders are required to submit a preseason commercial salmon application that includes the following:
(i) A selection of one gear type: Gillnet or purse seine.
(ii) A valid Puget Sound commercial salmon license number.
(iii) A valid license holder name (first and last).
(iv) A valid mailing address.
(v) At least one valid email address.
(vi) At least one valid phone number that can receive standard text messages.
(c) Preseason commercial salmon application deadlines:
(i) ((Catch Reporting Area 7B coho - Third Monday of July.
(ii))) Catch Reporting Area 7/7A sockeye (every year) and pink (odd-years only) - Third Monday of July.
(((iii)))(ii) Catch Reporting Area 10 pink (odd-years only) - Third Monday of July.
(((iv)))(iii) Catch Reporting Areas ((7/7A,)) 10/11((,)) and 12/12B/12C fall chum - Second Monday of September.
(((6)))(5) Registration lists ((and selection)):
(a) Each year, the department ((will))shall generate a randomly ordered priority registration list for each individual gillnet and purse seine registration and limited participation salmon net fishery using all ((submitted)) preseason commercial salmon applications that were submitted on-time.
(b) ((Randomly ordered))For priority registration lists:
(i) On-time applications are randomly ordered by computer program for each applicable fishery.
(ii) Late applications are subject to a processing period and placed at the bottom of the priority registration list in order of receipt.
(c) Registration lists for each individual registration and limited participation salmon net fishery will be ((available for inspection at the department's Olympia office and)) posted publicly on the department web page prior to the fishery seasons((, or upon written request to the department)).
(((7)))(6) In-season commercial salmon application ((for the registration and limited participation salmon net fishery: After submitting an online preseason commercial salmon application, the license holder, as described in subsection (5) of this section, must complete a weekly in-season commercial salmon application online for each registration and limited participation salmon net fishery in which they wish to participate.
(a)))process:
(a) Primary in-season commercial salmon application: The department shall issue a primary in-season commercial salmon application to each license holder on the applicable registration lists for every management week in which a registration and limited participation salmon net fishery could potentially be open.
(b) Primary in-season commercial salmon application requirements:
(i) The applicant must have submitted a valid preseason commercial salmon application and be listed on the applicable publicly posted ((randomly ordered)) registration list.
(ii) ((At the time of submitting the in-season commercial salmon application the applicant must possess an "active" commercial salmon license, as defined in (7)(c) of this subsection.
(iii) Each applicant on a registration list must submit an in-season commercial salmon application for each registration and limited participation salmon net fishery they intend to fish.
(iv) Select one gear type: Gillnet or purse seine.
(v) Provide a valid and active commercial salmon license number.
(vi) Provide a valid and active vessel name and vessel ID number.
(vii) Provide a valid and active license holder name (first and last).
(b) In-season commercial salmon application deadlines: In-season commercial salmon applications must be submitted online during the weekly registration window between each Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. and the following Monday at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Management weeks start on Sunday and end on Saturday for commercial salmon fisheries. Applications submitted during each weekly registration window are only valid for the following management week.
(c) Active license definition: For the purpose of this section, "active" refers to a commercial salmon license that has been renewed and activated for the current year through the department commercial licensing and includes an imprint card with the license number, registered vessel ID, primary operator, alternate operator(s), and vessel name.
(8) Compliance and license management:
(a) A vessel is compliant with this section if it displays an active commercial salmon license and:
(i) Has completed the preseason application for each registration and limited participation salmon net fishery once; and
(ii) Has fully completed the in-season commercial salmon applications for each registration and limited participation salmon net fishery weekly, as determined by the department.
(b) When multiple individuals share the same license number, only one application may be accepted for both the preseason and in-season commercial salmon application per registration and limited participation salmon net fishery.
(9) Participation and in-season management of registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries:
(a) When limited participation is not established during in-season management for a specific fishery:
(i) An applicant's position on the randomly ordered registration list does not change; the applicant retains the same position as in the previous management week.
(ii) If an applicant fails to submit a weekly in-season commercial salmon application by the deadline, the applicant is not eligible to participate in the subsequent management week's fishery.
(b) When limited participation is established during in-season management for a specific fishery:
(i) Failure to submit a weekly in-season commercial salmon application disqualifies an applicant from participating in the subsequent management week's limited participation fishery and moves the applicant to the bottom of the randomly ordered registration list.
(ii) WDFW will select applicants in order from the randomly ordered registration list and will continue down the list until the number of allowable units of gear is reached. Selected applicants will be moved to the bottom of the randomly ordered registration list for the subsequent management week's fishery.
(iii) Nonselected applicants retain the same position on the randomly ordered registration list as in the previous management week.
(c) Agreement to participate in an authorized registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries may require a department observer on board a participating vessel, per RCW 77.12.071.))
The applicant must possess an active license. (iii) When one or more registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries are planned to open, the primary in-season commercial salmon application shall ask whether the license holder intends to participate in any of the applicable fisheries. The license holder shall indicate their intent to participate, and if more than one fishery is open, shall indicate their ranked fishery preference within the response window.
(iv) If a license holder's application indicates they do not intend to participate or the license holder fails to respond within the response window, the license holder is ineligible for any of the applicable fisheries.
(v) If more than one primary in-season commercial salmon application is received within the response window under the same license number, the department will accept only the most recent application received based on the date and time stamp of receipt.
(c) Determining an in-season participation list from a primary in-season application:
(i) If no fisheries are limited, then all license holders who completed a primary in-season application are eligible to participate in their first ranked fishery preference.
(ii) If one or more fisheries are designated as a limited fishery opening, then all license holders who completed a primary in-season application are eligible to receive a secondary in-season application.
(d) Determining an in-season participation list from a secondary in-season commercial application:
(i) The department will issue a secondary in-season commercial salmon application when a limited fishery opening is established.
(ii) The department will communicate the expected conditions of the limited fishery opening to all license holders that responded to the primary in-season commercial salmon application with the secondary in-season commercial salmon application.
(iii) A license holder must complete the secondary in-season commercial salmon application within the response window, or indicate they do not intend to participate in any fishery;
(iv) If the license holder's application indicates they do not intend to participate or the license holder fails to respond within the response window, the license holder is ineligible for any of the applicable fisheries.
(v) If more than one secondary in-season commercial salmon application is received within the response window under the same license number, the department will accept only the most recent application received based on the date and time stamp of receipt.
(vi) The department shall cross-reference the license holder's response against their primary in-season fishery preference ranking to determine the applicable registration and limited participation salmon net fishery assignment.
(vii) Selection for a limited fishery opening shall be determined using a two-tier system applied separately for each registration and limited participation salmon net fishery open within the same management week:
(A) Tier 1 consists of all license holders who designated the applicable fishery as their first-ranked preference in the primary in-season commercial salmon application and indicated intent to participate in that fishery in the secondary in-season commercial salmon application. The department shall select license holders from tier 1 in the priority registration list order until the effort limit is reached;
(B) Tier 2 consists of all license holders who designated the applicable fishery as a second-ranked or lower preference in the primary in-season commercial salmon application, indicated intent to participate in that area in the secondary in-season commercial salmon application, and were not selected in tier 1 for any other open fishery in the same management week. If a license holder's first-preference fishery is at capacity and they are not selected in tier 1, the department shall move that license holder to their second preferred fishery for tier 2 consideration.
(C) The department shall select license holders from tier 2 in priority registration list order to fill any remaining capacity after tier 1 selection is complete. A license holder selected in tier 1 for any fishery shall be excluded from tier 2 consideration for all other open fisheries within the same management week.
(e) Priority registration list consequences following the secondary in-season commercial salmon application:
(i) A license holder who submitted an in-season commercial salmon application and was not selected for any limited fishery opening or who indicated no intent to participate in any fishery retains their position on all applicable priority registration lists.
(ii) A license holder selected to participate in a limited fishery opening shall be moved to the bottom of the priority registration list for the fishery for which they were selected only. Their position on priority registration lists for all other fisheries is unaffected.
(iii) License holders who were selected to participate in a limited fishery opening or who fail to respond to an in-season commercial salmon application within the response window shall be moved to the bottom of the priority registration list in the same order they appeared on the prior version of the list for all the applicable fisheries.
(7) Following completion of the in-season application process for each management week, the department shall publish a final in-season participation list of vessel names and associated license numbers that have been selected from the primary or secondary in-season commercial salmon application lists.
RDS-7168.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-13-088, filed 6/16/25, effective 7/17/25)
WAC 220-354-080Puget Sound salmon—Closed areas.
It is unlawful at any time, unless otherwise provided, to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken for commercial purposes with any type of gear from the following portions of Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas, except that closures listed in this section do not apply to reef net fishing areas listed in RCW
77.50.050:
Areas 4B, 5, 6, 6B, and 6C - The Strait of Juan de Fuca Preserve as defined in WAC 220-354-330.
Area 6D - Waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the Dungeness River mouth (48°09'16"N, 123°07'48"W, east to waters within 1,000 feet of Meadowbrook Creek mouth (48°09'07"N, 123°07'19"W).
Area 7 -
(1) The San Juan Island Preserve as defined in WAC 220-354-320.
(2) Those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of shore on Orcas Island from Deer Point (48°36'5.1"N, 122°47'59.7"W) northeasterly to Lawrence Point (48°39'38.1"N, 122°44'31"W), thence west to a point intercepting a line projected from the northernmost point of Jones Island (48°37'17"N, 123°02'11.4"W), thence 90 degrees true to Orcas Island.
(3) Those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the shore of Cypress Island from Cypress Head (48°34'03.1"N, 122°40'05.5"W) to the northernmost point of Cypress Island (48°36'31.5"N, 122°42'42.2"W).
(4) Those waters easterly of a line projected from Iceberg Point (48°25'20.2"N, 122°53'41.1"W) to Iceberg Island (48°25'20.2"N, 122°53'41.1"W), to the easternmost point of Charles Island (48°26'25.8"N, 122°54'18.5"W), then true north from the northernmost point of Charles Island (48°26'41.1"N, 122°54'34.3"W) to the shore of Lopez Island (48°26'47.1"N, 122°54'34.2"W).
(5) Those waters northerly of a line projected from the southernmost point of land at Aleck Bay (48°25'25.6"N, 122°51'08.2"W) to the westernmost point of Colville Island (48°24'56"N, 122°49'31.9"W), thence from the easternmost point of Colville Island (48°24'53.5"N, 122°49'10.7"W) to Point Colville (48°25'17.1"N, 122°48'50.7"W).
(6) Those waters easterly of a line projected from Biz Point on Fidalgo Island (48°26'33.1"N, 122°40'42.3"W) to the Williamson Rocks Lighted Buoy 4 (Light List No. 19335 FlR4s4M"4"RED, 48°26'51"N, 122°42'27.8"W), thence to the Dennis Shoal Buoy 6 (Light List No. 19345 Red Nun, 48°27'27"W, 122°42'57"N), thence to Burrows Island Light (Light List No. 19350 FlW6s57ft7MHorn(Bl(2)30s, 48°27'27.6"N, 122°42'59.3"W) on the westernmost point of Burrows Island, thence to the southwestern-most point of Fidalgo Head (48°29'31.2"N, 122°42'10.6"W), and including those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the western shore of Allan Island, those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the western shore of Burrows Island, and those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the shore of Fidalgo Island from the southwestern-most point of Fidalgo Head (48°29'31.2"N, 122°42'10.6"W) northerly to Shannon Point (48°30'32.8"N, 122°41'02.5"W).
(7) Additional Fraser sockeye and pink seasonal closure: Those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the shore of Fidalgo Island from the Initiative 77 marker (48°25'14.2"N, 122°40'04.5"W) northerly to Biz Point (48°26'33.1"N, 122°40'42.3"W).
(8) Those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the eastern shore of Lopez Island from Point Colville (48°25'17.1"N, 122°48'50.7"W) northerly to Lopez Pass (48°28'42.1"N, 122°49'10.7"W), and those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the eastern shore of Decatur Island from the southernmost point of land (48°28'52"N, 122°49'5"W) northerly to Fauntleroy Point (48°31'28.4"N, 122°47'18.8"W), and including those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the shore of James Island.
Area 7A - The Drayton Harbor Preserve as defined in WAC 220-354-310.
Area 7B -
(1) That portion south and east of a line from William Point on Samish Island (48°34'55.2"N, 122°33'38.2"W) to Saddlebag Island (48°32'7.2"W, 122°33'32.6"N) to Casperson Point on Guemes Island to landfall on March Point (48°29'58.4"N, 122°33'55.9"W), and that portion northerly of the railroad trestle in Chuckanut Bay.
(2) That portion of Bellingham Bay and Portage Bay adjacent to Lummi Indian Reservation is closed north and west of a line from the intersection of Marine Drive and Hoff Road (48°46'59"N, 122°34'25"W) projected 180 degrees true for 1.80 nautical miles (nm) to a point at 48°45'11"N, 122°34'25"W, then 250 degrees true for 0.92 nm to a point at 48°44'50"N, 122°35'42"W, then 270 degrees true for 0.95 nm to 48°44'50"N, 122°37'08"W, then 228 degrees true for 0.65 nm to 48°44'24"N, 122°37'52"W, then 200 degrees true for 0.69 nm to 48°43'45"N, 122°38'12"W, then 90 degrees true for 0.64 nm to a point just northeast of Portage Island (48°43'45"N, 122°37'14"W), then 155 degrees true for 0.97 nm to a point just east of Portage Island (48°42'52"N, 122°36'37"W), then 247 degrees true for 240 feet to landfall on Portage Island (48°42'51.1"N, 122°36'40.3"W).
(((3) Additional coho seasonal closure: Hale Pass - Not in place for 2025.
(4) Additional chum seasonal closure: That portion of Bellingham Bay referred to as the Whatcom Creek Zone east of a line projected 180 degrees true from the Bellingham Breakwater north entrance light 4 (Light List No. 19280 Fl(1)R6s17m5M, 48°45'26.3"N, 122°30'41.5"W) at the west entrance to Squalicum Harbor, to landfall east of Post Point (48° 43′ 18.2″ N, 122° 30′ 41.5″ W) - Not in place for 2025.))
Area 7C - That portion southeasterly of a line projected from the mouth of Oyster Creek (48°36'51.6"N, 122°26'27.8"W) 237 degrees true to the fishing boundary marker on Samish Island (48°34'33.1"N, 122°31'49.3"W).
Area 8 -
(1) That portion of Skagit Bay easterly of a line projected from Brown Point on Camano Island (48°16'12.6"N, 122°27'52.8"W) to a white monument on the easterly point of Ika Island (48°21'40.1"N, 122°29'52.8"W), thence across the Skagit River to the terminus of the jetty with McGlinn Island (48°22'18.3"N, 122°30'18.3"W).
(2) Those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the western shore of Camano Island south of a line projected true west from Rocky Point (48°15'1.3"N, 122°31'47.2"W).
Area 8A -
(1) Those waters easterly of a line projected from Mission Beach (48°03'19.3"N, 122°17'23.1"W) to Gedney Island Light 1 (Light List No. 18480 FlG25s15ft4M"1," 48°00'15.5"N, 122°17'49.7"W), excluding the waters of Area 8D, thence through the Snohomish River Light 5 (Light List No. 18535 FlG4s16ft5M, 47°59'16.3"N, 122°13'47.4"W) and across the mouth of the Snohomish River to landfall on the eastern shore (47°59'13.3"N, 122°13'35"W), and those waters northerly of a line from Camano Head (48°3'23.2"N, 122°21'24.6"W) to the northern boundary of Area 8D, except when open for pink fisheries.
(2) Additional coho seasonal closure prior to October 3: Those waters southerly of a line projected from the Washington state ferry Clinton terminal (47°58'28.8"N, 122°21'5.2"W) to landfall on the eastern shore (47°56'57"N, 122°18'15.7"W).
Area 8D - Those waters easterly of a line projected from the northerly most point of Mission Beach (48°03'19.3"N, 122°17'23.1"W) to Hermosa Point (48°03'42.7"N, 122°17'36.4"W).
Area 9 - Those waters lying inside and westerly of a line projected from the Point No Point Light (Light List No. 16550 Fl(3)W10s27ft14M, 47°54'43.9"N, 122°31'36.3"W) to the traffic separation lane Lighted Buoy SE (Light List No. 16540 FlY2.5s5MY"SE," (47°55'26.8"N, 122°29'30.7"W), thence to landfall at (47°55'04.2"N, 122°32'46"W) on Norwegian Point.
Area 9A -
(1) Those waters north of a ((line projected from the southern edge of the old mill site (47°51'05.5"N, 122°34'59"W) to the fallen tree on the opposite shore ())true East-West line at 47°51'06.6"N((, 122°34'15.9"W))).
(2) Those waters ((within 1,000 feet of Port Gamble Creek and Martha John Creek))south of a line drawn between (47°49'11.7"N, 122°34'46.6"W and 47°49'09.6"N, 122°34'21.4"W) and those waters east of a line drawn between (47°49'32.4"N, 122°34'03.2"W and 47°49'15.2"N, 122°33'55.6"W).
Area 10 -
(1) Those waters easterly of a line projected from Meadow Point (47°41'35.9"N, 122°24'21.6"W) to West Point (47°39'43.6"N, 122°26'08.5"W).
(2) Those waters of Port Madison westerly of a line projected from Point Jefferson (47°44'51.7"N, 122°28'25.6"W) to the northernmost portion of Point Monroe (47°42'32"N, 122°30'43.5"W).
(3) Additional pink seasonal closure: The area east inside of the line projected from West Point (47°39'43.6"N, 122°26'8.5"W) and extending west to the traffic separation lane Lighted Buoy SG (Light List No. 16815 FlY2.5s5MY"SG," 47°39'41.6"N, 122°27'52.6"W), thence 20 degrees true until reaching latitude 47°44'30.0"N, thence extending directly east to the shoreline (47°44'30"N, 122°22'40.5"W) - Closed in August and September of odd years.
(4) Additional purse seine pink seasonal closure: The area within 1,000 feet of the eastern shore in Area 10 is closed to purse seines north of latitude 47°44'30.0"N - Closed in August and September of odd years.
(5) Additional chum seasonal closure: Those waters of Elliott Bay east of a line from Alki Point (Light List No. 16915 Fl5s39ft16M, 47°34'34.5"N, 122°25'14"W) to the Fourmile Rock Light 1 (Light List No. 16810 FlG6s15ft6M"1," 47°38'20.4"N, 122°24'48.7"W)((, and those waters northerly of a line projected from Point Wells to traffic separation lane Lighted Buoy SF (Light List No. 16745 FlY2.5s5MY"SF," 47°45'53"N, 122°26'15.7"W), then west to President's Point (47°45'57.2"N, 122°28'20.1"W))).
(6) Those waters of Rich Passage, easterly of a line projected from Orchard Point (47°33'55"N, 122°31'56"W) to Beans Point (47°34'29"N, 122°31'20"W) on Bainbridge Island, and westerly of a line projected from Restoration Point (47°35'01"N, 122°28'46"W) to landfall at Colchester (47°32'41"N, 122°32'22.6"W) true west from the northwest point of Blake Island.
Area 10E - Those waters of Liberty Bay north of a line projected true east from 47°41'56.4"N, 122°36'53.5"W to 47°41'56.4"N, 122°36'17.4"W, those waters of Dyes Inlet north of the Manette Bridge, and those waters of Sinclair Inlet southwest of a line projected true east from the Washington state ferry Bremerton terminal (47°33'43.9"N, 122°37'31.1"W) to landfall at Port Orchard (47°33'43.9"N, 122°35'31.1"W).
Area 11 -
(1) The waters of Gig Harbor, northerly of a line projected true west from the Gig Harbor Light (Light List No. 17221 FlR4s13ft3MPriv., 47°19'35.7"N, 122°34'29.2"W). The waters of Commencement Bay, south of a line from Browns Point (47°18'20.3"N, 122°26'39.4"W) to the northernmost point of land on Point Defiance (47°19'07.7"N, 122°32'23.9"W).
(2) Additional chum seasonal closure: Those waters south of a line projected from the Gig Harbor Light (Light List No. 17221 FlR4s13ft3MPriv., 47°19'35.7"N, 122°34'29.2"W) to the Washington state ferry Tahlequah terminal (47°19'58.3"N, 122°30'25.5"W), south of a line projected from Neill Point (47°19'53"N, 122°29'33"W) to Piner Point (47°20'37"N, 122°27'17"W), west of a line projected from Piner Point (47°20'37"N, 122°27'17"W) to Dash Point (47°19'10"N, 122°25'47"W), and north of Area 11/11A line.
Areas 12, 12B, and 12C - Those waters within 1,000 feet of the eastern shore.
Area 12 - Those waters inside and easterly of a line projected from Lone Rock (47°39'46"N, 122°46'11"W) to Hood Canal Light 13 (Light List No. 17855 FlG2.5s20ft4M"13," 47°39'45.5"N, 122°47'14.4"W) off Big Beef Creek, thence southerly to the outermost northern headland of Little Beef Creek (47°39'24.4"N, 122°47'23.4"W).
Area 12 - Additional chum seasonal closures: Those waters of Area 12 south and west of a line projected 94 degrees true from south Hazel Point (47°41'29.1"N, 122°46'22.6"W) to the Hood Canal Light 11 on the opposite shore (Light List No. 17845 FLG4s15ft5M"11," 47°41'24.6"N, 122°44'50.4"W), bounded on the west by the Area 12/12B boundary line.
Area 12A -
(1) Those waters north of a line projected due east from Broad Spit (47°48'37.8"N, 122°48'59.3"W) to landfall on the Toandos Peninsula (47°48'37.8"N, 122°47'42.5"W).
(2) Those waters within 1,000 feet of the mouth of the Quilcene River.
Area 12B -
(1) Those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the mouths of the Dosewallips, Duckabush, and Hamma Hamma rivers and Anderson Creek.
(2) Additional Chinook seasonal closure: Those waters north and east of a line projected from Tekiu Point (47°35'6.6"N, 122°57'52.8"W) to Triton Head (47°36'10.9"N, 122°59'0.5"W).
Area 12C -
(1) Those waters within 2,000 feet of the western shore between the dock at Glen Ayr R.V. Park (47°25'14.1"W, 23°7'50.7"N) and the Port of Hoodsport marina dock (47°24'12.6"N, 123°08'29.5"W). This area is also referred to as the Hoodsport Hatchery Zone.
(2) Those waters south of a line projected 107 degrees true from the Cushman Powerhouse (47°22'11.2"N, 123°09'35.9"W) to the Union boat launch (47°21'27.5"N, 123°06'1.9"W).
(3) Those waters within 1,500 feet (1/4 nautical mile) of the mouth of the Dewatto River.
Area 13A - Those waters of Burley Lagoon north of State Route 302; those waters within 1,000 feet of the outer oyster stakes off Minter Creek Bay from 47°21'47.5"N, 122°41'10.1"W to 47°21'09.8"N, 122°41'57.7"W, including all waters of Minter Creek Bay; those waters westerly of a line drawn due north from Thompson Spit (47°19'58.6"N, 122°43'42.7"W) at the mouth of Glen Cove; and those waters within 1/4-mile of Green Point.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-13-088, filed 6/16/25, effective 7/17/25)
WAC 220-354-120Puget Sound salmon—Purse seine—Open periods and release requirements.
(1) It is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken with purse seine gear for commercial purposes from Puget Sound, except in the following designated Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas and during the periods provided for in each respective Management and Catch Reporting Area:
AREA | TIME | | DATE |
7, 7A: | 7AM - 6PM | - | 10/11, 10/12, 10/14, 10/15, 10/18, 10/19, 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/23, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/29, 10/30, 10/31, 11/1, 11/2, 11/3, 11/4, 11/5, 11/6, 11/7((, 11/8)) |
7B: | 6AM - 8PM | - | ((8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 8/28, 9/3))8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 8/27, 9/2 |
| 7AM - 7PM | - | ((9/8, 9/10, 9/12))9/7, 9/9, 9/11 |
7B: | 7AM - 7PM | - | ((9/15, 9/17, 9/19))9/14, 9/16, 9/18 |
| 7AM - 6PM | - | ((9/21 - 10/18))9/20 - 10/24 |
| 7AM - 6PM | - | ((10/27 - 10/31))10/26 - 10/30 |
| 7AM - 5PM | - | ((11/3 - 11/7))11/2 - 11/6 |
| 7AM - 5PM | - | ((11/10 - 11/14))11/9 - 11/13 |
| 7AM - 5PM | - | ((11/17 - 11/21))11/16 - 11/20 |
| 7AM - 5PM | - | ((11/24 - 11/28))11/23 - 11/27 |
| 7AM - 5PM | - | ((12/1 - 12/5))11/30 - 12/4 |
7C: | 6AM - 8PM | - | ((8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 8/28, 9/3))8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 8/27, 9/2 |
| 7AM - 7PM | - | ((9/8, 9/10, 9/12))9/7, 9/9, 9/11 |
8: | Closed | | |
8A: | Closed | | |
8D: | Closed | | |
10: | 6AM - 8PM | - | ((8/19, 8/20, 8/21, 8/26, 8/27, 8/28, 9/2, 9/3, 9/4)) |
10, 11: | 7AM - 6PM | - | ((10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 10/30))10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/2, 11/4 |
| 7AM - 5PM | - | ((11/3)) |
| | | Additional October dates (determined per agreement with tribal co-managers in-season if harvestable surplus of salmon increase). |
12, 12B: | 7AM - 6PM | - | ((10/13, 10/20, 10/27))10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/2, 11/4 |
| 7AM - 5PM | - | ((11/3, 11/10))11/11, 11/18 |
12C: | Pending In-Season Management | | |
(2) Purse seine seasonal restrictions - It is unlawful to fail to follow seasonal restrictions when fishing with purse seine gear in the following areas:
(a) Areas 7, 7A - Participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. Observers ((are))may be required for ((all)) participating purse seine vessels. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads. It is unlawful to fail to brail when fishing with purse seine gear. Any time brailing is required, purse seine fishers must also use a recovery box in compliance with WAC 220-354-100 (7)(a) through (f).
(b) Areas 7B, 7C - The Whatcom Creek Zone, that portion of Area 7B defined in WAC 220-354-080 may close per in-season management needs.
(c) Area 10 - Area 10 pink directed purse seine fisheries, adjusted hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. Observers are required for all participating purse seine vessels. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads. The use of a recovery box is required. Purse seines must brail. It is unlawful to fail to brail or use a brailing bunt when fishing with purse seine gear. Any time brailing is required, purse seine fishers must also use a recovery box in compliance with WAC 220-354-100 (7)(a) through (f). Closed in August and September of odd years.
(d) Areas 10, 11 - Areas 10 and 11 chum fisheries participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. Observers ((are))may be required for ((all)) participating purse seine vessels. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads.
(e) Areas 12, 12B - Areas 12 and 12B chum fisheries participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. Observers may be required for participating purse seine vessels. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads.
(f) Area 12C - Area 12C purse seine fishing is contingent upon the results of the agreed-to ISU and agreement with comanagers. Participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. Observers ((are))may be required for ((all)) participating purse seine vessels. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads.
(3) It is unlawful to retain the following salmon species taken with purse seine gear within the following areas during the following periods:
(a) Chinook salmon:
(i) Areas 7, 7A, 8, 8A, 8D, 10, 11, 12, 12B, and 12C - At all times.
(ii) Area 7B - After October 20.
(b) Coho salmon:
(i) Areas 7, 7A, 10, 11, 12, 12B, and 12C - At all times.
(ii) Area 7B - Prior to September 1.
(c) Chum salmon:
(i) Areas 7, 7A, 7B, and 7C - Prior to October 1.
(ii) Area 8A - At all times.
(d) Sockeye salmon:
(i) Areas 7B, 7C, 8, 8A, 8D, 10, 11, 12, 12B, and 12C - At all times.
(ii) Areas 7 and 7A retention may be allowed if authorized under the Fraser River Panel.
(e) All other saltwater and freshwater areas - Closed.
(4) Fishers must take department observers, if requested by department staff, when participating in these openings under RCW
77.12.071.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-13-088, filed 6/16/25, effective 7/17/25)
WAC 220-354-140Puget Sound salmon—Lawful gear—Gillnet.
(1) It is unlawful to use drift gillnet salmon gear in Puget Sound that exceeds 1,800 feet in length or contains meshes of a size less than 5 inches. It is unlawful to fail to attend to drift gillnets at all times.
(2) It is unlawful to use skiff gillnet salmon nets in Puget Sound that exceed 600 feet in length, 90 meshes in depth, or that contain meshes of a size less than 5 inches, except in Area 9A, where skiff gillnets are further restricted by not being more than 60 meshes deep. It is unlawful to retrieve skiff gillnets by any means except by hand (no hydraulics may be used). It is unlawful to fail to attend to skiff gillnets at all times.
(3) Vessels engaged in gillnet fishing between sunset and sunrise must display an all-round (32-point) white light at the end of the net most distant from the vessel. This light must be visible from a minimum distance of two nautical miles and positioned at least three feet above the surface of the water. If the vessel is not physically attached to either end of the net, such lights must be affixed and displayed at both ends of the net.
(((a) Drift gillnets and skiff gillnets shall be operated substantially in a straight line. It is unlawful to set such nets in a circle or to set them in other than a substantially straight line. Considering prevailing currents and weather conditions, drift gillnets and skiff gillnets must still be operated in a manner that maintains a substantially straight line.
(b)))(4) It is unlawful to operate a drift gillnet, unless two red size A-3 buoys are securely affixed, within five feet of each end of the net, clearly marking the visible ends of the cork line. One of the two buoys shall be visibly, legibly, and permanently marked with the name and gillnet license number of the fisher. (((c))) The cork line portion of the net shall be marked every 300 feet of the net with size A-1 buoys.
(((4)))(5) It is unlawful to set drift gillnets and skiff gillnets in a circle or to set them in other than a straight line. Drift gillnets and skiff gillnets shall be operated in a straight line, except from sunrise to sunset if the requirements below are met, operators may set with a "J" shaped hook at the end of their net:
(a) Drift gillnets operators may set the net with a "J" shaped hook so long as the ends of the net does not extend past the nearest A-1 buoy attached to the cork line 300 feet from the end of the net.
(b) Skiff gillnet operators may set with a "J" shaped hook at the end of their net if a red A-1 buoy is attached to the net cork line 100 feet from the ends of the net and the end of the net does not extend back past the nearest A-1 buoy along the cork line.
(6) It is unlawful to take or fish for salmon with gillnet gear in Areas 7 or 7A sockeye or pink salmon fisheries unless said gillnet gear is constructed so that the first 20 meshes below the cork line are composed of five-inch mesh, white opaque, minimum 210/30d (#12) diameter, nylon twine.
(((5)))(7) It is unlawful to take or fish for salmon with gillnet gear when recovery box(es) are required in areas defined under WAC ((220-301-030))220-354-160 unless the gillnet vessel has aboard and uses said operable recovery box(es) as described in this subsection.
(a) Dimensions and capacities of required recovery boxes:
(i) Recovery boxes must have two chambers, if one box, or one chamber in each box, if two boxes.
(ii) Each recovery box chamber must have an inside length measurement of 48 inches, an inside width measurement of 10 inches, and an inside height measurement of 16 inches.
(iii) Each chamber of the recovery box must have an inlet hole measuring between 3/4 inch and 1 inch in diameter. The inlet hole must be centered horizontally across the door or wall of the chamber, and the bottom of the hole must be located 1-3/4 inches above the floor of the chamber.
(iv) Each chamber of the recovery box must include a water outlet hole on the opposite wall from the inlet hole, and the outlet hole must be at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter, with the bottom of the outlet hole located 12 inches above the floor of the chamber.
(v) Flow of water through each chamber of the recovery boxes must be not less than 16 gallons per minute, nor more than 20 gallons per minute.
(b) Each box and chamber must be operating during any time that the net is being retrieved or picked.
(c) The vessel operator must demonstrate to department employees, upon request, that the pumping system is delivering the proper volume of fresh seawater into each chamber.
(d) All salmon not to be retained must be released immediately with care and with the least possible injury to the fish, or placed into the operating recovery box.
(e) Any fish that is bleeding or lethargic must be placed in the recovery box prior to being released.
(f) All fish placed in the recovery boxes must be released within the same catch area as the area of capture, and the release must occur prior to landing or docking.
(((6)))(8) It is unlawful to fish for salmon with gillnet gear in Areas 7 and 7A unless the vessel operator has attended a "Fish Friendly" best fishing practices workshop and is in possession of a department-issued certification card.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-13-088, filed 6/16/25, effective 7/17/25)
WAC 220-354-160Puget Sound salmon—Gillnet—Open periods and release requirements.
(1) It is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken with gillnet gear for commercial purposes from Puget Sound, except in the following designated Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas during the periods provided for in each respective fishing area:
AREA | TIME | | | DATE(S) | MINIMUM MESH |
6D: | 7AM | - | 7PM | 9/21, 9/22, 9/23, 9/24, 9/25, 9/28, 9/29, 9/30, 10/1, 10/2, ((10/3))10/5, 10/6, 10/7, 10/8, 10/9, ((10/10))10/12, 10/13, 10/14, 10/15, 10/16, ((10/17))10/19, 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/23, ((10/24))10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/29, 10/30, ((10/31))11/2, 11/3, 11/4, 11/5, 11/6((, 11/7)) | 5" |
7, 7A: | 7AM | - | Midnight | 10/11, 10/12, 10/14, 10/15, 10/18, 10/19, 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/23, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/29, 10/30, 10/31, 11/1, 11/2, 11/3, 11/4, 11/5, 11/6, 11/7((, 11/8)) | 6 1/4" |
7B: | 7PM | - | 10AM | ((NIGHTLY 8/10, 8/17, 8/20, 8/24, 8/27))8/9, 8/10, 8/11, 8/16, 8/17, 8/18, 8/19, 8/23, 8/24, 8/25, 8/26 | 7" |
| ((6AM | - | 11PM | DAILY 8/11, 8/12 | 5" |
| 5AM | - | 11PM | DAILY 8/18, 8/19, 8/25, 8/26 | 5")) |
| 7AM ((8/31))8/30 | - | 7AM 9/4 | | 5" |
| 7AM ((9/7))9/6 | - | 7AM 9/11 | | 5" |
| 7AM ((9/14))9/13 | - | 7AM 9/18 | | 5" |
| 7AM ((9/21))9/20 | - | Midnight ((10/25))10/24 | | 5" |
| 7AM ((10/27))10/26 | - | 4PM ((10/31))10/30 | | 6 1/4" |
| 7AM ((11/3))11/2 | - | 4PM ((11/7))11/6 | | 6 1/4" |
| 7AM ((11/10))11/9 | - | 4PM ((11/14))11/13 | | 6 1/4" |
| 7AM ((11/17))11/16 | - | 4PM ((11/21))11/20 | | 6 1/4" |
| 7AM ((11/24))11/23 | - | 4PM ((11/28))11/27 | | 6 1/4" |
| 7AM ((12/1))11/30 | - | 4PM ((12/5))12/4 | | 6 1/4" |
7C: | 7PM | - | 10AM | ((NIGHTLY 8/10, 8/11, 8/12, 8/17, 8/18, 8/19, 8/20, 8/24, 8/25, 8/26, 8/27))8/9, 8/10, 8/11, 8/16, 8/17, 8/18, 8/19, 8/23, 8/24, 8/25, 8/26 | 7" |
| 7AM ((8/31))8/30 | - | 7AM 9/4 | | 7" |
| 7AM ((9/7))9/6 | - | 7AM 9/11 | | 7" |
8: | 5AM | - | 11PM | Closed | 5" |
8A: | 6PM | - | 8AM | Closed | 5" |
| 6PM | - | 8AM | Closed | 5" |
8D: | 6PM | - | 8AM | NIGHTLY ((9/14, 9/18, 9/21, 9/25, 9/28, 10/2, 10/5, 10/9))9/13, 9/17, 9/20, 9/24, 9/27, 10/1, 10/4, 10/8 | 5" |
| 6PM ((9/15))9/14 | - | 8AM ((9/18))9/17 | | 5" |
| 6PM ((9/22))9/21 | - | 8AM ((9/25))9/24 | | 5" |
| 6PM ((9/29))9/28 | - | 8AM ((10/2))10/1 | | 5" |
| 6PM ((10/6))10/5 | - | 8AM ((19/9))10/8 | | |
| 5PM | - | 9AM | ((NIGHTLY 10/12, 10/16, 10/19, 10/23))10/11, 10/15, 10/18, 10/22 | 5" |
| 5PM ((10/13))10/12 | - | 9AM ((10/16))10/15 | | 5" |
| 5PM ((10/20))10/19 | - | 9AM ((10/23))10/22 | | 5" |
| 5PM | - | 9AM | Closed | 5" |
| 4PM | - | 8AM | Closed | 5" |
| 4PM | - | 8AM | Closed | 5" |
| 6AM | - | 6PM | Closed | 6 1/4" |
| 7AM | - | 6PM | Closed | 6 1/4" |
9A: | 7AM ((8/10))8/9 | - | 7PM ((11/1))10/31 | | 5" |
((10: | 7AM | - | 7PM | 8/19, 8/20, 8/21, 8/26, 8/27, 8/28, 9/2, 9/3, 9/4 | 5")) |
10, 11: | 5PM | - | 9AM | ((10/14, 10/16, 10/19, 10/22, 10/26))10/12, 10/15, 10/18, 10/22, 10/25, 10/29 | 6 1/4" |
| 4PM | - | 8AM | ((11/3))11/1, 11/5 | |
12A: | 7AM | - | 7PM | Closed. | 5" |
12, 12B: | 7AM | - | 8PM | ((10/14, 10/16, 10/21, 10/23, 10/26))10/13, 10/15, 10/20, 10/22, 10/27, 10/29 | 6 1/4" |
| 6AM | - | 6PM | ((11/2, 11/5, 11/11, 11/13, 11/17, 11/20))11/1, 11/5, 11/10, 11/12, 11/16, 11/19 | 6 1/4" |
12C: | 6AM | - | 6PM | Closed | 6 1/4" |
All other saltwater and freshwater areas - Closed. |
| Within an area or areas, a mesh size restriction remains in effect from the first date indicated until a mesh size change is shown, and the new mesh size restriction remains in effect until changed. |
(2) ((Gill net))Gillnet seasonal restrictions - It is unlawful to fail to follow seasonal restrictions when fishing with ((gill net))gillnet gear in the following areas:
(a) Area 6D - In Area 6D, it is unlawful to use other than 5-inch minimum mesh in the skiff gillnet fishery. It is unlawful to retain Chinook taken in Area 6D at any time, or any chum salmon taken in Area 6D prior to October 15 per Table 3.34 of the SCSCI Base Conservation Regime. In Area 6D, any Chinook or chum salmon required to be released must be removed from the net by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish. Area 6D is skiff gillnet only, definition WAC 220-350-170 and lawful gear description WAC 220-354-140.
(b) Areas 7, 7A - Participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads. ((After October 9 and prior to October 18, coho and Chinook salmon must be released, and))
(i) Coho and Chinook salmon retention is prohibited between October 10 and October 17.
(ii) It is unlawful to ((use))fish a net with a soak time ((of more than))in excess of 45 minutes. Net soak time is defined as the time elapsed from when the first of the gillnet web enters the water, until the gillnet is fully retrieved from the water. ((Fishers must also use))
(iii) A recovery box in compliance with WAC 220-354-140 (5)(a) through (f) is required to be used when coho and Chinook ((release is required))retention is prohibited.
(c) Areas 7B, 7C - ((For Area 7B daytime coho fisheries, participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads. The Whatcom Creek Zone, that portion of Area 7B defined in WAC 220-354-080 may close per in-season management needs))It is unlawful to fish for Chinook salmon with drift gillnets using a mesh size of less than 7 inches. In Area 7C the minimum mesh size is 7 inch.
(d) ((Areas 8, 8A, 8D - In Area 8 it is unlawful to take or fish for pink salmon with drift gillnets greater than 60-mesh maximum depth. Fishers must also use minimum 5 inch and maximum 5-1/2-inch mesh during pink salmon management periods. Area 8A fishers must use minimum 5 inch and maximum 5-1/2-inch mesh during pink salmon management periods.
(e))) Area 9A - It is unlawful to retain chum salmon taken in Area 9A prior to October 1, and it is unlawful to retain Chinook salmon at any time. Any salmon required to be released must be removed from the net by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish. Area 9A is skiff gillnet only, definition WAC 220-350-170 and lawful gear description WAC 220-354-140.
(((f)))(e) Area 10 - In Area 10 pink directed gillnet fisheries adjusted hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads. ((The use of a recovery box is required in compliance with WAC 220-354-140 (5)(a) through (f). For gillnets it is unlawful to use a net soak time of more than))Occurs in August and September of odd years.
(i) Retention of Chinook, coho, and chum is prohibited.
(ii) A recovery box in compliance with WAC 220-354-140 (5)(a) through (f) is required to be used when coho and Chinook retention is prohibited.
(iii) It is unlawful to fish a net with a soak time in excess of 90 minutes. Net soak time is defined as the time elapsed from when the first of the gillnet web enters the water, until the gillnet is fully retrieved from the water((. Retention of Chinook, coho, and chum is prohibited for all gears)).
(((g)))(f) Areas 10, 11 - Areas 10 and 11 chum fisheries, participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads.
(((h)))(g) Area 12A - In Area 12A, it is unlawful to use other than 5-inch minimum mesh in the skiff gillnet fishery. It is unlawful to retain Chinook or chum salmon taken in Area 12A at any time, and any salmon required to be released must be removed from the net by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish. Area 12A is skiff gillnet only, definition WAC 220-350-170 and lawful gear description WAC 220-354-140.
(((i)))(h) Areas 12, 12B, 12C - Areas 12, 12B and 12C chum fisheries, participation requires compliance with WAC 220-354-050 regarding registration and limited participation salmon net fisheries. This may also include requiring observers aboard tender vessels during offloads. Area 12C ((gill net))gillnet fishing is contingent upon the results of the agreed-to ISU and agreement with comanagers.
(3) It is unlawful to retain the following salmon species taken with gill net gear within the following areas during the following periods:
(a) Chinook salmon:
(i) Areas 6D, 9A, 12A - At all times.
(ii) Areas 7, 7A - October 10 to October 17.
(b) Coho salmon:
(i) Areas 7, 7A - October 10 to October 17.
(ii) Areas 12, 12B, and 12C: Release requirement pending preseason management.
(c) Chum salmon:
(i) Area 6D - Prior to October 15.
(ii) ((Areas 7, 7A - Prior to October 10.
(iii))) Areas 7B, 7C, and 7D - Prior to October 1.
(((iv)))(iii) Area 9A - Prior to October ((10))1.
(((v)))(iv) Area 12A - At all times.
(d) Sockeye salmon:
(i) Areas 7B, 7C, 8, 8A, 8D, 9A, 10, 11, 12, 12B, and 12C - At all times.
(ii) Areas 7 and 7A retention may be allowed if authorized under the Fraser River Panel.
(4) Minimum mesh size restrictions - It is unlawful to target the following salmon species with gillnet gear having a minimum mesh size other than:
(a) Chinook: 7 inch minimum.
(b) Coho: 5 inch minimum.
(c) Pink: 5 inches minimum and maximum.
(d) Chum: 6 and 1/4 inch minimum.
(e) Sockeye: 5 inch minimum to 5 and 1/2 inch maximum.
(5) All other saltwater and freshwater areas - Closed.
(((5)))(6) Fishers must take department observers, if requested by department staff, when participating in these openings.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 17-05-112, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17)
WAC 220-354-170Puget Sound salmon—Lawful gear—Reef nets.
(1) Lawful reef net salmon nets in Puget Sound must not exceed 300 meshes on any side nor contain meshes of a size less than 3-1/2 inches nor utilize more than two leads. Each of the leads must not exceed 200 feet in length, measured from the bows of the reef net boats to the nearest end of the head buoys. The use of any false, detached, or auxiliary lead is unlawful.
(2) It is unlawful to retain coho or Chinook salmon ((with reef net gear unless the vessel operator is in immediate possession of a department-issued Puget Sound reef net logbook. Completed logs must be submitted and received within six working days to the department))without submitting a daily electronic logbook through the department-designated reporting system as defined in WAC 220-354-180 (3)(a) through (c).
(3) It is unlawful to fish for salmon with reef net gear in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Area((s)) 7 ((and 7A)) unless the vessel operator has attended a "Fish Friendly" best fishing practices workshop and is in immediate possession of a department-issued certification card.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-13-088, filed 6/16/25, effective 7/17/25)
WAC 220-354-180Puget Sound salmon—Reef net open periods and release requirements.
(1) It is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken with reef net gear for commercial purposes in Puget Sound, except in the following designated Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas, during the periods provided for in each respective area:
AREA | TIME | DATE(S) |
7 | 5AM - 9PM Daily | ((9/21 - 11/8))9/20 - 11/7 |
(2) It is unlawful to retain the following salmon species taken with reef net gear within the following areas during the following periods:
(a) Chinook salmon - Area 7:
(i) Unmarked Chinook at all times.
(ii) Marked Chinook after September 30.
(iii) Marked Chinook retention may not exceed 300 fish through September 30.
(b) Coho salmon - Area 7:
(i) Unmarked coho after September 30.
(ii) ((Unmarked coho retention may not exceed 1,000 fish through September 30.
(iii) Marked coho retention may not exceed 1,000 fish after September 30))Marked and unmarked coho retention will be managed to preseason agreed to quotas.
(c) Chum salmon - Area 7: (((i))) Prior to October 1.
(d) Sockeye salmon: ((All areas -))Area 7: At all times. Sockeye retention may be allowed if authorized under the Fraser River Panel.
(e) All other saltwater and freshwater areas - Closed.
(3) ((Logbook requirements:
(a))) It is unlawful to retain coho or marked Chinook ((or unmarked coho)) salmon ((with reef net gear unless the fisher has in their immediate possession a department-issued Puget Sound Reef Net Logbook, and the following conditions are met:
(i) All retained Chinook must be accounted for by marked status in the logbook.
(ii)))without submitting a daily electronic logbook through the department-designated reporting system with the following requirements:
(a) Submission is required by 10:00 a.m. the day following each fishing activity.
(b) All Chinook and coho salmon must be accounted for in the daily electronic logbook by retention status and marked status, including:
(i) Chinook salmon:
(A) Marked Chinook retained.
(B) Marked Chinook released.
(C) Unmarked Chinook released.
(ii) Coho Salmon:
(A) Marked coho retained.
(B) Marked coho released.
(C) Unmarked coho retained.
(D) Unmarked coho released.
(c) For the purpose of this section:
(i) Marked Chinook and coho are defined as those with a clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the site of the clipped fin.
(((b)(i) All retained unmarked coho must be accounted for in the logbook.))
(ii) Unmarked Chinook and coho are defined as having an intact adipose fin.
(((c)))(d) These logbook requirements apply only in the ((areas and)) time periods described in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of this section.
(((d) Completed logs must be submitted and received within six working days of the fishing activity to: Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Manager, Department of Fish & Wildlife, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504.))(e) The electronic reporting link will be posted on the department's website prior to each open period.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-13-088, filed 6/16/25, effective 7/17/25)
WAC 220-354-210Puget Sound salmon—Beach seine—Open periods and release requirements.
(1) It is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken with beach seine gear for commercial purposes from Puget Sound except in the following designated Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas during the periods provided hereinafter in each respective Management and Catch Reporting Area:
All areas:
AREA | TIME | DATE(S) |
12A: | 7AM | - | 7PM Daily | ((Closed))8/18, 8/19, 8/20, 8/24 - 8/28, 8/31 - 9/4, 9/7 - 9/11, 9/14 - 9/18, 9/21 - 9/25, 9/28 - 10/2 |
12C, Hoodsport Hatchery Zone: | 7AM | - | 7PM | ((7/31, 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4))7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31 Additional July and August ((())dates shall be determined per agreement with tribal co-managers ((in-season)) if harvestable surplus of salmon increase(())). Additional November ((())dates determined per agreement with tribal co-managers in-season if harvestable surplus of salmon remain(())). |
(2) It is unlawful to retain the following salmon species taken with beach seine gear within the following areas during the following periods:
(a) Chinook salmon: (((i))) Area 12A - At all times.
(((ii) Area 12C - 5,000 Chinook quota.))
(b) ((Coho salmon: All areas - At all times.
(c))) Chum salmon: Areas 12A and 12C - Prior to October 10.
(((d)))(c) Sockeye salmon: Areas 12A and 12C - At all times.
(((e)))(d) All other saltwater and freshwater areas - Closed.