The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a set of new regulations for Minter Creek in Pierce County, which will affect angling activities from the 2024-25 season onward. According to the agency, the revised rules come into play this year, effectively closing all waters within channels formed by the exposed tidelands to fishing, directing anglers to the mainstem of the creek above the high tide line, or into the saltwater bay as tides rise.
The specific window for salmon fishing at Minter Creek now spans from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, and is limited to the area from the creek's mouth at Carr Inlet to approximately 50 feet downstream from the Minter Creek Hatchery rack; furthermore, access along the creek below the Creviston Drive bridge is restricted due to private ownership of most of the surrounding tidelands, "Fishing legally and ethically helps to ensure enjoyable fishing trips for all," WDFW Lt. Kit Rosenberger told the press, as detailed by WDFW news release.
For those planning to cast their lines, the daily limit stands at six salmon—each must measure at least 12 inches—and anglers are permitted to retain up to four adults, including a mix of up to two Chinook and up to two cohos, or one of each, however, the release of wild coho is mandated.
While these rules aim to balance the joys of fishing with the preservation of local ecosystems and private properties, anglers must stay updated as these regulations are open to change, the WDFW recommends consulting the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for detailed information, in addition to regularly checking for any emergency rule changes on the WDFW’s website or the Fish Washington mobile app that might affect fishing conditions or regulations for specific species at locations they plan to fish, this approach ensures compliance and supports the department's mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the region's rich fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while fostering sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.
