Mexican Fish Report

Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton area) salmon fishery will open three days per week with a one salmon daily limit in an effort to extend opportunities for anglers to be on the water this winter.

SEATTLE – Fishing for salmon will open January 1, 2022 in the Seattle/Bremerton area (Marine Area 10) and will be allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only with a retention limit of one salmon per angler.

“This central Puget Sound winter Chinook fishery has historically been popular,” said Jake Rice, Puget Sound salmon fishery manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “The goal of limiting fishing to Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only with a one fish bag limit is to minimize the likelihood of meeting or exceeding fishery encounter limits prior to the planned closing date of March 31.”

Salmon daily limit is one (1). Chinook minimum size is 22”. Other salmon species, no minimum size. It is illegal to retain wild Chinook or to bring them aboard a vessel. For the full WDFW fishing rule change, please visit fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/erules/erule.jsp?id=2785.

Also known as “blackmouth” due to their dark gums, resident Chinook are a component of both hatchery and wild salmon runs that remain in the Salish Sea instead of migrating out into the ocean. Anglers may encounter juvenile or mature Chinook of various sizes and age classes, and these winter-caught salmon are known for being both aggressive feeders and delicious table fare. Other salmon species such as coho may also be encountered during this fishery and are legal to retain.

Winter Chinook are typically found close to the bottom near schools of herring or other forage fish. Anglers should take care while releasing wild Chinook—especially smaller juveniles known as “shakers”—to help conserve and recover salmon stocks.

For more information and detailed tips on salmon fishing in Puget Sound, visit: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/basics/salmon.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.