2018 Columbia River spring chinook sport fishery season set

February 23, 2018

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

Species affected: Spring chinook, steelhead and shad.

Area and effective date: The mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to Bonneville Dam; from March 1 through April 7, 2018.

Restrictions: Open for boat and bank fishing for chinook, coho, or steelhead from a true north-south line through Buoy 10 to Beacon Rock, plus bank angling only from Beacon Rock upstream to the Bonneville Dam deadline. The legal upstream boat boundary is defined as: A deadline marker on the Oregon bank (approximately four miles downstream from Bonneville Dam Powerhouse One) in a straight line through the western tip of Pierce Island to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock.

Daily limit: Daily limit 6, no more than 2 may be adults of which 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon and steelhead other than adipose fin clipped fish. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

Area and effective date: 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 (except for those waters closed under permanent regulations); from March 16 through May 7, 2018.

Daily limit: Daily limit 6, no more than 2 may be adults of which 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon and steelhead other than adipose fin clipped fish. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

Area and effective date: The mainstem Columbia from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon/Washington Border; from March 16 through May 15, 2018

Action: On days and in areas open to fishing for hatchery (adipose clipped) spring chinook, fishing for adipose fin clipped steelhead from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon Washington Border and shad from Buoy 10 to Bonneville Dam (except for those waters closed under permanent regulations) is allowed.

Reason for action: Sets the 2018 spring recreational salmon season in the Columbia River in the area from Buoy 10 upstream to the Oregon/Washington border, and hatchery raised steelhead from Buoy 10 to the 395 bridge. Rules are consistent with the Compact Action of February 21, 2018.

Other information: Barbless hooks are required for salmon and steelhead. Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement is required for anglers fishing upstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue Point.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop: (360) 906-6737.

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.