OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers announced today that the April salmon fishery in Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) is closing and will not reopen on Wednesday, April 15, as previously scheduled.

Estimates of Chinook catch indicate anglers have reached management criteria agreed to in the 2025-2026 List of Agreed Fisheries. It is necessary to close the Marine Area 11 April salmon fishery to meet agreed to conservation and management objectives. For details, refer to the WDFW’s seasonal Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas webpage. 

Marine Area 11 was open for salmon fishing April 1-4 and April 8-11. The area was scheduled to be open Wednesdays through Saturdays throughout April, but will remain closed April 15 through April 30, except year-round piers (Des Moines Pier, Les Davis Pier, Point Defiance Park Boathouse Dock, and Redondo Pier) remain open seven days per week.

During the fishery, Puget Sound salmon anglers caught a mix of resident Chinook and resident coho, as well as some migratory Chinook. “Resident” salmon are fish that remain in or near the waters of the Salish Sea instead of migrating into the open ocean. Resident Chinook are traditionally called “blackmouth” by anglers due to their dark gums.

Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) is open year-round for salmon fishing, and both hatchery Chinook and coho may be retained. Designated year-round fishing piers around Puget Sound will remain open to fishing as listed in the annual Washington Sport Fishing Rules. For a list of piers, visit the WDFW webpage.

Check the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet and WDFW’s emergency rules webpage and download the Fish Washington® mobile app for up-to-date regulations. See the WDFW The Salmon Fishing Current blog: North of Falcon 2026 edition for additional salmon fishery information.

Salmon seasons are a result of an annual collaborative state and tribal salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon. For the public meeting schedule with opportunities to participate and provide public feedback, refer to WDFW’s North of Falcon webpage.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.