The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, or WDFW, announced salmon fishing in Whidbey’s waters is temporarily closed.

The closure, which went into effect Monday morning, impacts all three marine areas surrounding Whidbey Island. Year-round piers are excluded.

The reason behind the temporary shutdown, according to a press release, is the low number of catchable salmon in the affected marine areas. Prior to the start of the season, WDFW and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number of chinook encounters that anglers are allowed in Whidbey’s waters. Fishery data shows anglers will soon meet or exceed that limit, as many of the encounters are with juvenile chinook, which can’t be retained.

WDFW says it will reopen the season when more of the salmon reach a legally-attainable size.

Call 360-902-2808 or 360-902-2807 for more information.