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600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
April 10, 1998
Contact: Chuck Bolland (360) 902-2255
New sturgeon regulations
OLYMPIA -- Sturgeon caught in the Columbia River and its tributaries by
recreational anglers, from Bonneville Dam up stream to The Dalles Dam, must be
released beginning April 20.
Washington and Oregon fish managers estimate the guideline of 1,520 sturgeon
from the Bonneville Reservoir will be caught by April 20. Anglers may continue to fish
in the reservoir, but all sturgeon must be immediately released unharmed.
Harvest guidelines for sturgeon were set in 1991 for recreational and treaty tribe
commercial fisheries to prevent the over harvest of sturgeon trapped between
Bonneville and McNary dams on the Columbia River. The Washington and Oregon
agencies in 1995 adopted permanent regulations that allow sturgeon retention only
during the first half of each year to keep the sport harvest within the guidelines.
Increased fishing and improved catch rates, especially in the Bonneville
Reservoir, has resulted in early closures during the last four years.
The Columbia River and its tributaries from The Dalles Dam upstream to McNary
Dam will remain open to sturgeon retention until further notice.
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