Commercial Salmon Fishing Operation #10 in Ocean Waters North of Cape Falcon
In the world of West Coast fisheries, the commercial salmon troll fishery north of Cape Falcon is undergoing some changes for the 2025-2026 season. Here's a breakdown of the key points you need to know.
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The commercial salmon troll fishery season, as outlined in the Final Rule for West Coast Salmon Fisheries and subsequent inseason actions, generally runs from May 16, 2025, to May 15, 2026. This rule, issued by NOAA Fisheries, sets the overall framework for salmon fisheries along the West Coast, including marine waters off Washington and Oregon. The rule considers conservation of salmon stocks and compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
Inseason adjustments have been made to the landing and possession limits for the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon. From July 31, 2025, the Chinook possession limit was increased to 80 per vessel per landing week, while the coho limit was reduced to 45 adipose-marked coho. Effective August 21, 2025, the limit was modified to 45 Chinook and 15 adipose-marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week. Then, effective August 28, 2025, the commercial salmon troll fishery in this area was closed.
These management measures reflect inseason adjustments responding to salmon stock status to balance harvest opportunity with conservation goals. The fishery north of Cape Falcon is subject to closures or modifications to protect stocks, including limits on the number and type of salmon landed per vessel.
The Final Rule document contains the detailed specifications, including season dates, area definitions, and fishery quotas, as well as ESA consultations affirming that the fishery will not appreciably reduce the survival of listed species such as threatened salmon or Southern Resident orcas. For further detailed regulatory text and supporting information, refer to the NOAA Fisheries Final Rule for the West Coast Salmon Fisheries 2025-2026 Specifications and Management Measures. This document also includes contact details for direct inquiries, such as Shannon Penna at Anadromous Harvest Management, who can be reached at (562) 980-4239.
In summary, the commercial salmon troll fishery north of Cape Falcon for the 2025-2026 season operates under a structured regulatory framework set by the Final Rule, with inseason management measures that have recently included increased and then reduced landing limits before a closure in late August 2025 to protect salmon stocks effectively. Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses.
