Columbia River above Bonneville Dam spring chinook fishery re-opens - boat restriction below Bonneville Dam eliminated

June 11, 2013

June 7, 2013

Columbia River above Bonneville Dam
spring chinook fishery re-opens - boat restriction below Bonneville Dam eliminated

Action: Re-opens the season for chinook and steelhead angling on the mainstem Columbia River upstream of Bonneville Dam. Also relaxes boat restriction angling between Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam.

Effective date: June 8 through June 15, 2013.

Species affected: Spring chinook and steelhead.

Area: The mainstem Columbia River from the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line upstream to the Oregon/Washington border.

Restrictions: The restriction on fishing for salmonids from boats between Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam has been eliminated.

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 is 6 fish (hatchery chinook or hatchery steelhead), of which no more than two may be adults and no more than one may be an adult chinook. Release all sockeye, wild chinook and wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

Additional rules: Effective immediately through June 15, 2013: For the mainstem Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery from the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to Oregon/Washington border, it is unlawful when fishing from vessels which are less than 30 feet in length, substantiated by Coast Guard documentation or Marine Board registration, to totally remove from the water any salmon or steelhead required to be released.

Effective immediately through June 15, 2013: Deep River (Wahkiakum Co.): the hatchery adult chinook daily limit will be the same as the adjacent mainstem Columbia River during those days when the mainstem Columbia River is open for adult chinook retention. When the adjacent mainstem Columbia River is closed for adult chinook retention, the salmon daily limit will revert to permanent rules for Deep River.

Reason for action: Harvestable numbers of hatchery salmon remain available based on the forecasts, associated management agreements, and harvest estimates to date.

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.