North of Falcon
Setting 2013-2014 Salmon Fishing Seasons

2013-14 Salmon Seasons

Each year state, federal and tribal fishery managers gather to plan the Northwest's recreational and commercial salmon fisheries. This series of meetings – involving representatives from federal, state and tribal governments and recreational and commercial fishing industries – is known as the North of Falcon process.

This year’s North of Falcon salmon season-setting process has concluded.

For details on recreational salmon fisheries in Washington, check the new 2013-2014 Sport Fishing rules pamphlet.

2013 North of Falcon
Public Meeting Schedule

March 1

2013 Salmon Forecasts and Fishing Opportunities:

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E. Olympia.
• WDFW presents Puget Sound, coastal Washington and Columbia River salmon abundance forecasts. Fishery management objectives and preliminary fishing opportunities for 2013 are discussed.

March 6-11

Pacific Fishery Management Council:

• Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma.
• The PFMC adopts a range of ocean fishery options, including catch quotas for sport and commercial fisheries.

March 12

Columbia River Fisheries Discussion:

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Vancouver Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, Wash.
• Public discussion of management objectives and preliminary options for Columbia River fall commercial and sport fisheries.

March 14

Grays Harbor Fisheries Discussion:

• 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Montesano City Hall, 112 N. Main Street, Montesano.
• Public discussion of Grays Harbor salmon forecasts and fishing opportunities.

March 15

First North of Falcon Meeting:

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E. Olympia.
• Discussion of management objectives and preliminary fishery proposals for Puget Sound, coastal Washington and Columbia River area sport and commercial fisheries.

March 18

Willapa Bay Fisheries Discussion:

• 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Raymond Elks Lodge, 326 Third Street, Raymond.
• Public discussion of Willapa Bay salmon forecasts and fishing opportunities.

March 19

South Puget Sound Fisheries Discussion:

• 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E. Olympia.
• Public discussion of pre-season forecasts and possible salmon fisheries in south Puget Sound, particularly in the Puyallup, Nisqually and Skokomish rivers.

March 21

Puget Sound Commercial Fisheries Discussion:

• 10:30 a.m.-noon, WDFW Mill Creek Office, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek.
• Public discussion of management objectives and preliminary options for Puget Sound commercial fisheries. 

Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Discussion:

• 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Trinity Methodist Church, 100 South Blake Ave., Sequim
• Discussion of local salmon fisheries.

March 23

Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Discussion:

• 10 a.m.-noon. WDFW Mill Creek Office, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek.
• Public discussion of management objectives and preliminary options for Puget Sound marine and freshwater sport fisheries.

March 25

Public Hearing on Ocean Salmon Management Options:

• 7 p.m., Chateau Westport, 710 W. Hancock, Westport.
• Public hearing, sponsored by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, to receive comments on the proposed ocean salmon fishery management options adopted by the council during its March meeting.

March 27

Second North of Falcon Meeting:

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Embassy Suites Hotel, 20610 44th Ave. West, Lynnwood.
• Public meeting to present results of state-tribal negotiations and analyses of preliminary fishery proposals. With public participation, preferred options are developed for Puget Sound and Columbia River area sport and commercial fisheries.

Pre-season Columbia Basin salmon forecasts and fishery outlook:

• 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Benton PUD, 2721 W. 10th Ave. Kennewick.
• Public discussion of potential recreational and commercial salmon fisheries.

March 29

Final Grays Harbor/Willapa Bay Fisheries Discussion:

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., Olympia.
• Public meeting to reach final agreement on sport and commercial salmon seasons for Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay.

April 1

North of Falcon Meeting – Columbia River & Ocean discussion:

• 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Room 175 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., Olympia.
• Public meeting to present results of state-tribal negotiations and analyses of Ocean and Columbia River fisheries proposals. With public participation, preferred seasons are developed for Ocean and Columbia River area sport and commercial fisheries.

April 6-11

Final Pacific Fishery Management Council:

• Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland, Ore.
• PFMC adopts final ocean fisheries regulations and state-tribal fishing plans are finalized for all inside area commercial and sport salmon fisheries.