Carr Inlet is a significant saltwater estuary in southern Puget Sound, forming part of the boundary between Pierce and Kitsap counties. This deep, protected waterway is a gateway to some of the longest salmon seasons in Washington State and serves as a vital migration corridor and holding area for multiple salmon species returning to hatcheries and rivers throughout South Puget Sound. The inlet's geography creates productive fishing grounds, particularly around its points and drop-offs, and it is managed under specific regulations to balance recreational opportunity with conservation, especially for wild salmon stocks.