Fish Northwest

04/26/2026

Folks, next years Fish Northwest Halibut Derby will be held the weekend of April 17-18, 2027

04/19/2026

Can the State of Washington Be Held Accountable for Salmon Management?

We’ve taken them to court.

At the center of this case is a simple question: Is the State following federal law when it sets fishing seasons and allocates fish between user groups?

Fish Northwest argues that Washington State has not been properly following federal requirements tied to salmon management—especially around conservation, allocation, and accountability.

The State is not primarily defending the details of how they manage fisheries. Instead, their main argument is “This case doesn’t belong in this court.”

They claim the issues raised are tied to a federal framework (like the Puget Sound Salmon Management Plan and ESA compliance). Because of that, a state court does not have the authority to review or enforce it. In other words, they are saying: “Even if there are problems, this isn’t the right place to challenge them.”

So the case right now is less about:

Who is right or wrong on fish management

…and more about:

Who has the power to hold the system accountable.

Why It Matters

If the State’s argument holds:

1. It becomes very difficult to challenge fishery decisions in state court.

2. Accountability may get pushed into a federal gray area, where responsibility is less clear.

If our challenge succeeds:

1. It could force greater transparency and accountability in how fisheries are managed. especially around allocation, conservation claims, and compliance with federal law

Bottom Line:

1. This is a fight over accountability and jurisdiction.

2. It is not yet a ruling on whether fishery management itself is right or wrong, but the outcome will shape whether those decisions can be challenged at all.

Want to help us stay in the fight? Go to www.fishnorthwest.org and donate!

Brett Rosson
President, Fish Northwest

Here is the link to the court document:

Fish Northwest Court AppealBy Brett RossonOn April 19, 2026Uncategorized 26.4.15 Respondent’s Opening BriefDownload About Author Brett Rosson

04/17/2026

Fish Northwest continues to support salmon recovery. Pt. Defiance Marina

04/14/2026

Folks, those of you who participated in the Fish Northwest Halibut derby have another chance to win big. Get out there and fish this derby coming up the first weekend in May.

04/13/2026

Thanks to all who participated this weekend. We will see you all next April.

79 fish were weighed

I want to thank all our sponsors again:
Zap Pro L**e
Outdoor Line
Tom n Jerry's Boat Center
West Marine
Leepers Marine
LFS
Holiday Sports
ACE Hardware Anacortes and Friday Harbor
Swain's Port Angeles
Sebos Do it Anacortes
Rock Fish Grill

04/13/2026

Congratulations Duke Fisher on the mystery weight - 23.4 lbs (weighed on Saturday).

04/13/2026

Congratulations Brennen Miller on winning the Yamaha 9.9 kicker motor from Tom N Jerry's Boat Center

04/13/2026

Congrats Ryan Clark on Third Place - 54.6

04/13/2026

Congratulations Mike on 2nd place!- 55.1

04/13/2026

Congratulations Casey on 1 place ! - 56.5