OLYMPIA — The hatchery chinook season in Marine Area 9 will remain open an extra day through Sunday.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the extension of the fishery reopening Friday. It had been set to close at the end of Saturday. The WDFW made the decision because there continues to be a sufficient quota available of chinook.
On Monday, fishery managers will decide if enough fish remain available to extend the summer season for hatchery chinook again. The WDFW will announce next week when Marine Area 9 will reopen to hatchery chinook.
The daily salmon limit is two, and one hatchery chinook may be kept. The minimum size is 22 inches. Wild chinook, chum and wild coho must be released. The section of Marine Area 9 south of a line from Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point is closed to all salmon fishing.
For additional regulations, anglers should consult the 2019-20 Washington Sports Fishing Rules pamphlet available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.
Shellfish OK’d
PORT TOWNSEND — Recent shellfish samples from Mystery Bay and Fort Flagler have been low for biotoxins. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health has reopened Fort Flagler State Park, Kilisut Harbor,and Mystery Bay for recreational shellfish harvest. Signage at the sites will reflect the changes.
Recreational shellfish harvesters should check the clickable map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at (800)-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington State. Recreational harvesters should also check Fish and Wildlife regulations and seasons at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations or the Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at (866)-880-5431.