2012 sport sturgeon retention in the lower Columbia River

February 1, 2012

February 1, 2012

2012 sport sturgeon retention in the lower
Columbia River

Action:

(1) Below Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) downstream to mouth:
Through Apr 30 per permanent rule, white sturgeon retention allowed 7 days per week, 38-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size.

May 1-May 11 Sturgeon retention prohibited.

May 12-Jul 8 White sturgeon retention allowed 7 days per week, 41-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size.

Jul 9-Dec 31 Sturgeon retention prohibited.

(2) Above Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam:
Through July 31 Per permanent rule, white sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 38-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size. Release sturgeon on other days.

Aug 1-Oct 19 Sturgeon retention prohibited.

Oct 20-Dec 31 White sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 38 inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size. Release sturgeon on other days.

Species affected: White sturgeon

Reason for action: The regulation is consistent with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission's guidance for 2012 lower Columbia River sturgeon management. The dates for retention of white sturgeon are based on actions adopted at the Joint Washington-Oregon public hearing on Jan. 26, 2012.

Other information: Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is allowed 7 days per week, except the area from Bonneville Dam downstream to the Navigation Marker 82-Skamania Island line is closed to all fishing for sturgeon from May 1-Aug. 31. All angling is prohibited from Feb. 1 through Apr. 30, 2012 from a line between the upstream end of Sand Island, located east of Rooster Rock State Park, to a marker on the Oregon shore, downstream to a line between the lower end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shore. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.