Anglers who fish for salmon in Admiralty Inlet will have to wait a few more weeks to cast their lines.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife elected to delay the opening of salmon season in marine area 9, which covers Admiralty Inlet. The season was slated to open Sunday, Jan. 16.

Salmon season openings were not altered in other marine areas surrounding Whidbey Island. Year-round piers are also not affected.

The delay is in effect until further notice, but the department is estimating the season will open in mid-February or early March. Department officials say the preliminary estimates and fishery projections indicate that reopening salmon season on Jan. 16 would result in an early closure of marine area 9. The season closes on April 15.

Department officials say delaying the season opening will allow anglers to fish later into the spring.