2013 sturgeon retention seasons set for lower Columbia River

February 8, 2013

Action:

(1) Below Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) downstream to mouth, including adjacent Washington tributaries:

Through April 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 10 Sturgeon retention prohibited.

May 11-June 30 White sturgeon retention allowed 7 days per week, 41-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size.

July 1-Dec 31 Sturgeon retention prohibited.

(2) Above Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam, including adjacent Washington tributaries:

Through June 15 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.

June 16-Oct. 18 Sturgeon retention prohibited.

Oct. 19-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 2013 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. 30, 2013.

Other information: Sturgeon retention seasons will be reflected in the 2013-14 WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet, available May 1. Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is allowed 7 days per week, except the area from Bonneville Dam downstream 9 miles to a line crossing the Columbia River from Navigation Marker 82 on the Oregon shore, westerly to the boundary marker on the Washington shore upstream of Fir Point is closed to all fishing for sturgeon from May 1-Aug. 31. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited statewide.

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. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

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.