Puget Sound-area waters are reopening for fishing immediately – after an impasse in salmon-season negotiations.
State and tribal leaders reached an agreement at the end of May to re-open the waters. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife had to wait for federal approval before officially opening the waters.
The WDFW closed many Puget Sound-area waters to fishing on May 1, after the previous federal authorization to conduct fisheries expired.
“We know Puget Sound anglers have been frustrated by the late start to this year's salmon season," said John Long, salmon fisheries policy lead for WDFW. "This opening puts the year's salmon fisheries back on track."
Anticipated low numbers of salmon – especially coho – returning to Puget Sound made this year’s negotiations challenging.
Changes in Puget Sound salmon fisheries since last summer can be found on WDFW's website.