Salmon, crab recreational fishing opens in the San Juans

Submitted by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Summer fishing seasons are now in full swing, requiring anglers to make some tough decisions about how to spend their time on the water. Scores of lakes and streams throughout the state are open for trout and other species, while salmon fisheries are underway in Washington’s ocean waters and several marine areas of Puget Sound.

Several areas of Puget Sound opened for salmon fishing on July 1, including marine areas 7 (San Juan Islands).

Many Puget Sound marine areas opened for crab fishing as of July 1 as well. The exceptions include marine area 7, where the crab fishery opens July 14 in the area’s southern portion (San Juan Islands/Bellingham) and Aug. 16 in the northern portion (Gulf of Georgia). Marine areas 11 (Tacoma/Vashon Island) and 13 (south Sound) will not open this season.

Anglers should note that regulations for fisheries throughout Washington are described in the 2018-19 sportfishing rules pamphlet, which takes effect July 1. The pamphlet is available from sporting goods stores and is posted online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.