2015 Columbia River spring chinook sport fishery season set

January 30, 2015

Action: Sets fishing regulations for spring chinook on the mainstem Columbia River

Species affected: Spring chinook, steelhead and shad.

Effective date: March 1 - April 10, 2015 except closed March 24, 31 and April 7

Area: The mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Restrictions: Closed to fishing for salmonids and shad from boats between Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam. The Beacon Rock boundary is defined as a line projected from the deadline marker on the Oregon bank (approximately four miles downstream from Bonneville Dam Powerhouse 1) through the western tip of Pierce Island to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock.

Daily bag limit: Daily salmonid limit is 6 fish (hatchery chinook or hatchery steelhead), of which no more than 2 may be adults, and no more than 1 may be an adult chinook. Release all wild chinook and wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

Effective date: March 1-May 15, 2015

The Columbia River will be open for retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead and shad only during days and in areas open for retention of adipose fin-clipped spring chinook.

Effective date: March 16 - May 6, 2015

Area: Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) upstream to Oregon/Washington border plus the Oregon and Washington banks between Bonneville Dam and the Tower Island power lines.

Daily bag limit: Daily salmonid limit 6 fish (hatchery chinook or hatchery steelhead), of which no more than 2 can be adults, and no more than 1 may be an adult chinook. Release all wild chinook and wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

Effective date: March 1 - June 15, 2015: On days when the mainstem Columbia River recreational fishery below Bonneville Dam is open to retention of chinook, the salmonid daily bag limit in Deep River will be the same as mainstem Columbia River bag limits. On days when the mainstem Columbia River fishery is closed to chinook retention, the permanent salmonid bag limit regulations for Deep River apply.

Reason for action: Harvestable numbers of salmon are available based on the forecasts and associated management agreements.

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.