Potentially NO SALMON season in Puget Sound

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/apr1516a/

"Anglers will have opportunities to fish for salmon in the ocean and Columbia River this year, although recreational and non-tribal commercial salmon fisheries in Puget Sound may be closed through much of the season."

“We realize that closing salmon fishing in Puget Sound for the foreseeable future is not only disappointing but is detrimental to many communities across the region,” he said. “As we work to secure the necessary federal permit, we hope to continue discussions with the tribes. I believe co-management can work, and we will do our part to improve the process of setting salmon seasons in Washington.”

So what's the deal? Do the tribes want more of the pie?

Here is another article, which makes it seem they couldn't come to terms on the COHO issue.

excerpt from the Olympian:
Heading into meetings this week in Vancouver, Washington, the tribes were adamant that no coho fishing should take place in the Sound.

During negotiations, the tribes refused to change that stance, while the state said it could craft seasons to allow fishing for hatchery coho while protecting stocks listed under the Endangered Species Act.

In a plan being forwarded to NOAA Fisheries, the tribes stated they will close all their fisheries except for several terminal areas where harvestable hatchery fish will be caught.

Full Article: http://www.theolympian.com/outdoors/hunting-fishing/article71947062.html

As long as there are nets in the rivers, I will not believe that anyone is serious about saving wild salmon or even managing salmon.

Need to sunset treaties, time to enter the modern world.  (As improbable as finding bigfoot.)

The fewer fish that are taken in the Sound, the more that make it into the rivers where the so called 'terminal areas' and tribal nets begin.    Simple math.  Don't even need to apply Common Core principles for that. 

What are the alternatives for Puget Sound fishermen? West Coast?

I'm sure we'll be receiving a discount on our fishing licenses for 2016.

King5.com is reporting that an agreement has been made. 

I saw that, but no details. Holding my breath and my travel plans loosely. Short season maybe?

looks promising! Any season is better than no season!

Update to Puget Sound salmon season.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/may2616b/
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/northfalcon/

Update to Puget Sound salmon season.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/may2616b/
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/northfalcon/

Honestly kinda disappointed about the update. Still no coho fishing in the sound, but the natives will still be netting hardcore for their 50% of the chinook, and last time I checked nets don't tell the difference.

In addition bunch of rivers shut down but you can bet your last dollar there will be nets in those closed rivers.

New definition of 50%.

This has been burning me up for the last few weeks. I have indian blood, but not enough to be issued a poaching card. I cannot believe they'll shut us down, but let the natives and the commercial fisheries run wild. I see they have come to an agreement and we may still get a small window to catch salmon. This is a crock, and along with a small window of opportunity, I'd like to get a small window of my money back for the endorsement on my license.