HUNTING FISHING Paula Corcoran hoists a 15-minute Chinook limit, caught in overlooked Puget Sound waters – the deep southern end of the inland sea. While Marine Areas 7, 9, 10 and 11 get the bulk of angler attention, terminal zones, off-channel areas and other tucked-away spots can be worth fishing for salmon in late summer or when popular areas close due to quota issues. (COAST FISHING PHOTO CONTEST)
Plans B And C For Inland Sea Salmon
In a season marked by good runs and frequent rule changes, it pays to have backup Chinook and coho fisheries, and these are among the better ones for Puget Sound anglers.
By Mark Yuasa
U
ncertainty has lurked around several corners of this summer’s Washington saltwater salmon fisheries, but there are plenty of bright spots in August.
Since the 2022 season began, anglers have faced some closures, modifications to catch limits or pauses in fisheries around Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and off the coast. These unforeseen inseason modifications to fisheries have
become the norm in recent years – likely due to improved salmon returns and increased participation – and now require an angler to keep a “Plan B” or even a “Plan C” on their list of places to fish to avoid any unexpected surprises. nwsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2022
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