Looks like more restrictions coming for Puget Sound Salmon seasons

[CP]

Forecasts released for 2021 as annual salmon season-setting process begins


Puget Sound: Pink salmon return to Puget Sound in odd-numbered years, and more than 2.9 million wild pinks are expected to arrive in 2021, similar to the 2019 run. Fishery managers expect some opportunity for anglers to take part in that popular fishery.

Coho returns to Puget Sound and surrounding rivers are mostly forecast to be up in 2021 over the previous year, at about 615,000 wild and hatchery coho. About 504,600 fish returned in 2020. The middle and south Sound areas in particular are expected to see an increase of more than 45,000 fish. Fishery managers will consider wild coho returns to rivers like the Snohomish, which is in rebuilding status after experiencing low escapements in recent years, in planning fisheries throughout marine waters. 

Puget Sound Chinook and chum, however, are once again expected to experience a down year. As has been the case in other recent years, Adicks said that low returns of some stocks – particularly Stillaguamish and mid-Hood Canal Chinook – are likely to hinder fisheries in the region. 

[Stein]

Same stink, different year.  If we allow entire regional fishing to be dictated on 10 fish in a certain river, we won't ever get out of this situation, its' ridiculous. 

We are at least stable to some degree, Columbia looks to be on the upswing but they don't have the Stilly fish to deal with.

I think native fish are great, but many a day I just hope a net somewhere scoops up the last of those fish so we can move on.

[MADMAX]

Better chinook and coho fishing in the Great Lakes
Why ?
Hatcheries

[Stein]

Probably fewer Orcas, seals and sea lions too.

Honestly, it's not "salmon" that are hurting here, it's 2 ESA salmon in two specific places that everything is managed around.

[Jake Dogfish]

The only specie that is really down is Chum.
Pinks and silvers are up, Chinook is slightly down, but the all important wild component that allows fishing is not.
Not too bad imo.

[pnwbestlife]

I created a simple infographic to represent a summary of everything WDFW shared in terms of the salmon forecast.

[Stein]

Thanks, that's helpful.

I'm looking forward to smacking the pinks at least, load the boat with kids and be deckhand for the day. 

[birddogdad]

im thinking we need to identify as Orca... problem solved...

[Chesterdog]

This year we traded the Island Unit at the Skagit Headquarters, arguably the most productive public land duck hunting spot in the state, for salmon habitat restoration.  I've hunted there for decades and hoped to pass my hard earned knowledge to my kids, but it's all just memories now.  The north sound salmon numbers had better show improvement and that hopefully translates to more fishing opportunity, because this is a HUGE sacrifice in my opinion.

[fishngamereaper]

The FNW lawsuit may have a big influence on salmon seasons, or lack of this year. Stay tuned, it could get interesting.