When is Salmon Season in Washington State?

Salmon fishing is a popular recreational activity in Washington state. The salmon season dates vary depending on location and salmon species. Knowing when salmon season opens helps anglers plan their trips and take advantage of the best fishing opportunities

Overview of Salmon Seasons in Washington

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sets the salmon fishing seasons each year based on run forecasts and conservation goals Here is a quick overview of salmon seasons across Washington

• Puget Sound – Different marine areas open at various times between June and October for hatchery Chinook, coho, and chum salmon.
• Coastal – Marine areas open between June and September for hatchery and wild Chinook and coho.
• Columbia River – Opens for hatchery Chinook and coho at various times between June and October from Buoy 10 upstream.
• Rivers – Select rivers open for hatchery and wild Chinook, coho, sockeye, and pink salmon between June and November.

Seasons vary for each salmon species based on expected run sizes. Fishing opportunities may be limited some years to protect weak stock returns.

When Does Salmon Season Open in Puget Sound?

Here are the tentative Puget Sound salmon fishing seasons for 2024/2025 as announced by WDFW in April 2024:

• Chinook – Marine Areas 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 open at various times between June and October for hatchery Chinook retention. Area-specific catch limits apply.
• Coho – Opens in August and September in Marine Areas 5, 6, 7, and 9. Non-selective coho fisheries open in late September.
• Chum – Opens October 1 to November 15 in Marine Areas 10 and 11. In-season updates will determine any openings in Area 13.
• Pink – No directed pink salmon fisheries are scheduled.

Puget Sound sockeye fisheries:

• Baker River – Opens July 6 – August 31 with a 4 sockeye daily limit.
• Skagit River – Opens June 16 – July 15 from Mount Vernon to Concrete with a 4 sockeye daily limit.

When Does Salmon Season Open on the Coast?

For the 2024 salmon season, these are the tentative coastal fishing dates:

• Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) – Opens June 22.
• Marine Area 3 (La Push) – Opens June 22.
• Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) – Sundays to Thursdays only June 30 – July 11, then daily from July 14.
• Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) – Opens June 22.

Areas 1-4 close September 15 or when quotas are met. Selective and non-selective fisheries will open on varying dates.

When Does Salmon Season Open on the Columbia River?

Here are the tentative 2024 Columbia River salmon seasons:

• Summer Chinook – Open June 16-19 from Astoria-Megler Bridge to Bonneville Dam. June 16-30 from Bonneville to Priest Rapids Dam.
• Fall Chinook – Buoy 10 upstream opens August 1 on varying dates by area.
• Coho – Buoy 10 upstream opens August 1 on varying dates by area. Lower coho forecast will still allow good opportunity.
• Sockeye – Retention allowed June 16-July 31 from Buoy 10 upstream to Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco.

When Do Rivers Open for Salmon?

Major rivers across Washington open for salmon retention at various times between June and November. Here are some examples:

• Cowlitz River – Opens for hatchery fall Chinook August 1.
• Green River – Opens for hatchery pink, coho, and Chinook from mid-September to late October.
• Skagit River – Opens June 16 for sockeye. Opens for pink, coho, and Chinook from August to November.
• Skykomish River – Opens for hatchery Chinook in August.
• Wenatchee River – Opens for Chinook in July and August. Opens for coho in September and October.
• Yakima River – Opens for coho in late September to late October.

Check the WDFW sport fishing regulations for exact opening dates in your river of interest.

How to Follow In-Season Updates

Salmon seasons are set preseason based on forecasts, but fishery managers can make in-season changes when actual run sizes are known. Anglers should follow these resources for updated information:

• Check the WDFW website for emergency regulation changes
• Look for WDFW press releases announcing salmon updates
• Follow WDFW social media for announcements
• Call the WDFW Fishing Hotline at 360-902-2500
• Check the WDFW fishing regulations app

By following the latest information, you’ll know if any new openings or closures occur during the salmon season.

Tips for Salmon Fishing Success

To improve your chances while salmon fishing in Washington:

• Use appropriate tackle – bait, lures, and line strength suited for salmon.
• Focus on prime spots like current seams, river mouths, and structure.
• Vary your techniques – troll, cast, or drift fish to cover water.
• Fish early mornings and evenings when salmon are most active.
• Check regulations carefully for any area-specific rules.
• Purchase your license and catch record cards before heading out.

With a bit of preparation and patience, you can have an exciting and rewarding salmon fishing experience when you head out during peak season in Washington!

Understanding Wild Salmon Seasons