OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today extended the sturgeon retention sport fishery in the Columbia River and its tributaries from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam until further notice.

The recreational retention season was scheduled to close July 1, but WDFW fish biologists now estimate that anglers will have harvested less than 30 percent of the 560 fish guideline by July 1. Washington and Oregon anglers may continue to retain sturgeon between four feet and five feet in total length until the guideline is reached.

WDFW biologists will continue monitoring the fishery in John Day Reservoir and announce a closing date once harvest figures near the 560-fish limit.

The Columbia River from John Day Dam downstream to the Bonneville Dam is closed to sturgeon retention for the remainder of the year. Recreational fishing for sturgeon may continue in the closed area but all sturgeon must be released unharmed.

Fishing for sturgeon requires an $8 Washington food fish license available at most sporting good stores. Anglers also need a free sturgeon catch record card.