So far NO SEASON THIS YEAR>

2016 Puget Sound-area Fishing Seasons Update

Last updated: May 13, 2016

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials closed recreational and non-tribal commercial fishing May 1 in Puget Sound marine and freshwaters where salmon are migrating.  The closures will remain in effect until further notice. (see Frequently Asked Questions)

State fishery managers implemented the closures while they work to secure the federal permit required to conduct salmon fisheries in Puget Sound. The previous permit expired April 30.

Typically, the state and tribes jointly obtain the federal permit for the Sound, where some fish stocks are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.  But state and tribal fishery managers were unable to reach an agreement on this year's Puget Sound salmon fisheries. WDFW and the tribes are separately seeking their own permits.

The fishing closures include salmon and steelhead-fishing in Puget Sound marine areas, and all fishing in several lakes and many rivers (or sections of rivers) that flow into Puget Sound.

This page contains three lists. One explains the status of Puget Sound marine area fisheries. A second identifies the lakes that are closed to all fishing.  The last identifies rivers and sections of rivers in the Puget Sound-area that are open to fishing as provided in the state's 2015-16 fishing rules.