Bonneville Pool sturgeon spawning sanctuary adopted; sport sturgeon retention season approved

April 1, 2014

March 31, 2014
Bonneville Pool sturgeon
spawning sanctuary adopted;
sport sturgeon retention season approved

Action #1: Establishes a sturgeon spawning sanctuary in Bonneville Reservoir which prohibits angling for sturgeon during the spawning period.

Effective dates: May 1 through July 31, 2014

Species affected: White sturgeon

Location: From The Dalles Dam downstream 1.8 miles to a line from the east (upstream) dock at the Port of The Dalles boat ramp straight across to a marker on the Washington shore.

Reason for action: The sanctuary is expected to reduce the handle of oversize sturgeon during the spawning period.

Action #2: The summer season recreational fishery in Bonneville Reservoir opens to white sturgeon retention for two 2-day periods in June.

Effective dates: June 13 through June 14 and June 20 through June 21, 2014

Species affected: White sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to lower sturgeon spawning sanctuary boundary from the east (upstream) dock at the Port of The Dalles boat ramp straight across to a marker on the Washington shore.

Reason for action: Establishes a summer white sturgeon retention period in Bonneville Reservoir. Around 850 fish remain available for harvest from the 1,100 fish total guideline. This balance allows for a summer retention season.

Other information: Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is allowed, except the spawning sanctuary is closed to all sturgeon angling during May through July.

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.