The Fishing Corner
By Larry Dublanko
The focus is clearly upon the upcoming salmon season as we near the early fall months. It is the beginning of the transition from the ocean fishery to estuary and fresh-water fishing.
Marine area 2, which is Westport and Ocean Shores, officially closed Sept. 3. Marine area 2-1, which is water east of a line from Cape Shoalwater to Leadbetter Point and typically known as Willapa Bay, has been actively open since Aug. 1. In this area, anglers are permitted three adult salmon, but only one may be a coho. All wild Chinook must be released, however, anglers may fish with two poles with the Two-Pole Endorsement.
Area 2-2, which in essence is Grays Harbor and the area west of the Buoy 13 line, has opened Aug. 13. The retainment rules are concurrent with the ocean (Area 2) rules for salmon and all other Area 2 rules apply.
Area 2 -2 east of the Buoy 13 line has several openings dates depending on the location. For starters, the Humptulips North Bay Fishery began Aug. 1 and will close Sept. 15. In this location there is a daily limit of two adult salmon, however, all wild coho must be released. The East Grays Harbor Fishery does not open until Oct. 1 and runs until Nov. 30. There is a daily limit of only one adult salmon and all Chinook must be released.
Both, the Westport Boat Basin and Ocean Shores Boat Basin have opened on Aug. 16. The generous daily limit of six salmon includes four adults, however, all Chinook must be released. There is a night closure and anti-snagging rule which is strictly enforced. In addition, only single-point barbless hooks may be used.
One of the bigger changes that face anglers is the Chehalis River fishery. Currently, it is a jack-salmon-only fishery and anglers will need to wait until Oct. 1 to retain adults. At that time, the retention limit for adults varies depending upon the location. Anglers may fish with the Two-Pole Endorsement. Throughout this fishery, single-point barbless hooks are required.
On the other hand, the Humptulips River opened Sept. 1. For the month of September, anglers are allowed to retain two adult salmon which one may be a wild Chinook. All wild coho must be released. This river now features a night closure rule and all hooks need to be single-point and barbless.
Most of our other local rivers are scheduled to open on Oct. 1. It would be safe to say that they are virtually a hatchery coho fishery. Anglers should confer with the regulations to ascertain the rules for the river and the location they choose to fish. It can get a little tricky but is not that complicated.