Neah Bay (Marine Area 4) recreational salmon seasons update


by WA Department of Fish & Wildlife Staff
7-21-2021
Website

Action: Reduces the daily Chinook limit beginning July 24.

Effective date: July 21 through September 15, 2021.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Neah Bay (Marine Area 4).

Rules:

Immediately through July 23: Daily limit 2. Chinook – min. size 24”. Coho - min. size 16”. Release wild coho.

July 24 through July 31: Daily limit 2, up to 1 may be a Chinook. Chinook – min. size 24”. Coho - min. size 16”. Release wild coho.

August 1 through September 15: Daily limit 2, up to 1 may be a Chinook. Chinook – min. size 24”. Coho - min. size 16”. Release chum and wild coho.

Reason for action: While there are available Chinook remaining in the Area 4 quota, the recent closure of adjacent Catch Area 5 to Chinook retention is expected to lead to increased fishing effort and increased catch of Chinook in Area 4. Lowering the limit to one Chinook per angler will allow the Area 4 fishery to remain open further into the season without exceeding its quota.  

Additional information: The catch quotas for recreational fisheries North of Cape Falcon in 2021 are 27,250 Chinook and 70,000 marked coho, with an Area 4 Chinook guideline of 5,825 and Area 4 coho quota of 5,730.

Waters east of a true north-south line through Sail Rock are closed through July 31.

After August 1, Chinook retention prohibited east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line.

Marine Areas 1 through 4 are scheduled to close Sept. 15, but areas could close earlier if quotas are met.

Information contact: Fish Program 360-902-2700

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call 360-796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Individuals who need to receive this information in an alternative format, language, or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact the Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY (711), or email ([email protected]). For more information, see https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation.