Is Area 10 Open for Salmon Fishing? A Complete Guide

Salmon fishing is a popular recreational activity in Washington state. Area 10, covering the waters from Apple Cove Point to the north end of Vashon Island, provides ample opportunities to catch different salmon species throughout the year. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on salmon fishing in Area 10 – the seasons, rules, tips, and key information you need to know.

Overview of Area 10

Area 10 encompasses the Seattle and Bremerton area It stretches from the Apple Cove Point-Edwards Point line east to the north tip of Vashon Island Some of the major fishing spots here include Alki Point, Shilshole Bay, Elliott Bay, Sinclair Inlet, and Agate Pass.

This area offers good salmon fishing for several species:

• Chinook (king) salmon
• Coho (silver) salmon
• Pink salmon
• Chum salmon

The fishing is accessible from both shore and boats. The area has lots of public piers beaches and ramps for shore access. You can also easily launch small vessels from protected bays and inlets.

Salmon Seasons in Area 10

The salmon fishing seasons vary by species in Area 10. Here are the key dates:

• Chinook salmon: Open limited days in July and August. There’s also a spring fishery from mid-March to April 30.
• Coho salmon: Open June 1 to mid-November. Peak is late summer/fall.
• Pink salmon: Open June 1 to late September. Peak is July/August.
• Chum salmon: Very limited targeting opportunity. Mostly open just June and September.

Parts of Area 10 also have site-specific salmon seasons, like:

• Shilshole Bay – Closed July 1 to August 31
• West Elliott Bay – Closed July 1 to August 31
• East Elliott Bay – Closed July 1 to August 5
• Sinclair Inlet – Extended season from July 16 to September 30

Make sure to check the WDFW website for updated salmon fishing rules for Area 10 before heading out. The seasons can change annually.

Daily Limits and Size Restrictions

The daily limit for salmon depends on the species and time of year. Some key regulations:

• In general, the daily limit is 2 salmon per angler.
• But daily limits for king salmon are more restrictive, often 1 per day.
• Minimum size for Chinook is 22 inches.
• Pink, chum, and coho generally have no minimum size.
• You must release any wild Chinook (unclipped adipose fin).

Make sure to check the specific sub-area regulations. And pay close attention to release rules for certain species that are required to be released in Area 10.

Tips and Techniques for Salmon Fishing

Here are some tips to improve your success salmon fishing in Area 10:

• Find currents and structure: Salmon often hold in areas with currents and structure like points, drop-offs, and tide rips. Watch your fish finder for baitfish and structure.

• Troll with herring: Trolling fresh herring behind flashers or dodgers is one of the most effective ways to catch Area 10 salmon. Use a downrigger to get lures down to the right depth.

• Fish the tide changes: The peak bite windows are often the 1-2 hours before and after the tide change. Position yourself accordingly.

• Go deep for kings: To catch king salmon, you’ll need to fish 30-100 feet down using divers, weights, or downriggers. Kings hold near the bottom.

• Cast spoons and spinners: From shore, casting heavy spoons and spinners allows you to cover water to find aggressive salmon.

• Use brighter lures on overcast days: When it’s cloudy or overcast, switch to brighter colored lures in pink, chartreuse, orange, etc.

Top Spots for Salmon Fishing in Area 10

Here are some of the top salmon fishing spots to check out in Area 10:

• Shilshole Bay – Productive for coho and pinks close to the marina.

• Elliott Bay – kings, coho, and pinks. Fish near Duwamish Head and Pier 91.

• Sinclair Inlet – Best spot for kings in Area 10. Fish near waterfront parks.

• Blake Island – Kings and coho. Troll along the south and west shores.

• Agate Pass – Strong currents churn up baitfish, drawing in salmon.

• Alki Point – Easy shore access to fish migrating salmon here.

• Point Defiance – Big flows out of Commencement Bay attract salmon.

• Manette Bridge – Popular land-based fishing for Sinclair Inlet salmon.

Best Times for Salmon Fishing

The prime times to salmon fish in Area 10 include:

• April – Spring kings move through starting mid-month.

• July – Kings and sockeye peak early in month. Pinks start showing up.

• August – Coho fishing heats up. Pinks are in thick.

• September – Bulk of the coho run comes through. Still pinks around too.

• October – End of coho run. Fishing still decent first half of month.

Of course, timing is dependent on that year’s salmon runs. Check WDFW catch reports and regulations before heading out. And fish early morning or evenings when salmon tend to be most active.

Licensing Requirements

To fish for salmon in Area 10, you need:

• A valid Washington state fishing license if you are 15 years or older
• A Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement if fishing for crab
• A salmon catch record card to record your salmon catches

Make sure to review license requirements on the WDFW website. You can purchase licenses online or at various license vendors.

Key Regulations and Safety Tips

When salmon fishing in Area 10, please remember:

• Check all current regulations on the WDFW website. Read specific rules for Area 10.
• Pay attention to any area closures, depth restrictions, or species retention bans.
• Adhere to all size limits, daily limits, and gear restrictions.
• Have required safety equipment like life jackets and fire extinguishers onboard vessels.
• Let someone know where you are fishing and when you plan to return.
• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Area 10 provides great salmon fishing opportunities within close reach of the Seattle metro area. With proper preparation and timing, you stand an excellent chance of catching king, coho, pink, and chum salmon depending on the season. Hopefully this guide provides helpful tips and key info for a successful day on the water salmon fishing in Area 10!

In California, the primary salmon in season now (June) is Chinook (King) salmon, particularly during the summer months. Recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in the ocean is open during specific dates, including June 7-8, with potential continuation dates in July and August if the harvest guideline isn’t met.