Fishing enthusiasts can ready their reels and tackle, as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced the opening dates for ocean salmon fishing off the Washington coast. Starting June 21, Marine Areas 4, 3, and 2—Neah Bay, La Push, and Westport-Ocean Shores, respectively—will welcome anglers to begin their pursuit of salmon. Following close behind, Ilwaco (Marine Area 1) will open its coastal waters to fishing enthusiasts on June 25. According to a news release from the WDFW, updated quotas suggest a promising season ahead, with recreational Chinook catch quota increasing to 53,750 fish and 99,720 hatchery-marked coho available for the taking.
In a bid to ensure responsible fishing practices and conservation, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has set these increased quotas. Dr. Alexandrea Safiq, Marine Salmon Policy Coordinator with WDFW, remarked that these quotas are good news for ocean anglers, allowing for "an enjoyable ocean salmon fishing season, all while upholding federal and state conservation mandates for all salmon stocks." The WDFW may, however, need to actively manage the season in real-time to guarantee that these increased fishing opportunities don't lead to exceeding the total allowable catch.
Daily limits and specific rules vary by area, with a common stipulation across marine areas requiring the release of wild coho salmon. For instance, Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) permits a daily limit of two salmon, but only one may be a Chinook. Here, the Chinook quota has seen a notable increase from 12,510 in 2024 to 16,600. Meanwhile, Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) will start its season with a daily limit of one salmon, transitioning to a two-salmon limit on June 29. This marine area has also seen an uptick in its Chinook guideline from the previous year, now set at 22,270, with a hatchery coho quota of 36,900.
The season in Marine Areas 3 (La Push) and 4 (Neah Bay) begins with a daily limit of one salmon before adapting to a two-salmon limit starting July 4. Notably, Marine Area 4’s Chinook guideline has risen sharply to 12,600, a leap from the former 9,430, boasting a hatchery coho quota of 10,370. Interested parties are encouraged to frequently check the WDFW's webpage for ocean salmon catch updates throughout the summer. The agency continues to emphasize its mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and their habitats, while simultaneously providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.
