14-05-2025
Waters south of Tacoma Narrows Bridge now closed to salmon fishing. Here's why
Salmon fishing will be banned temporarily in southern Puget Sound starting Thursday as the state waits for the federal government to complete its review of Puget Sound salmon fisheries under the Endangered Species Act, according to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
The closure area, Marina Area 13, includes 'all waters south of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge,' a department release said. The department website says that area is protected from the weather, enabling small boats to fish there; it also has places where people can fish from the shore or from piers. Public piers on the water include Allyn Pier at Allyn Waterfront Park in Mason County, Clyde Davidson Pier in Steilacoom and Fox Island Fishing Pier, per the website.
Normally, Marine Area 13 is the only area in the state where people can fish for salmon year-round and use a two-pole endorsement, which is a license for anglers to use two fishing rods at a time, according to the website.
'Pre-existing federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) coverage for the effects of Puget Sound salmon fisheries expires on May 15, 2025,' and ongoing reviews for the 2025-2026 period are unlikely to be completed by then, the release says. Chinook salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act are known to pass through Marine Area 13 salmon fisheries in May, according to the release.
The ban will remain in effect until further notice, but it should be lifted soon pending the completion of the federal review process 'within the next several days,' the release says.
For more information, call the fish program at 360-902-2700. Anglers also are encouraged to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications, check for emergency rules on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website and consult the 2024-2025 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules, the release says.
