Columbia River estuary sturgeon fishery to close early

June 19, 2013

Action: Close the ongoing recreational fishery downstream of the Wauna powerlines to retention of white sturgeon, effective Friday, June 21, 2013.

Effective dates: 12:01 a.m., June 21, 2013, until further notice.

Species affected: White Sturgeon

Location: Columbia River and its tributaries from the mouth of the Columbia upstream to the Wauna power line crossing at Rivermile 40 near Cathlamet, Wash.

Reason for action: The estuary sturgeon fishery was originally scheduled to continue through June 30, 2013. Angling effort and catch have exceeded expectations and the catch guideline of 4,042 white sturgeon is projected to be reached by Friday, June 21. This season modification was adopted June 18, 2013 at the joint Washington-Oregon public hearing.

Other information: The Columbia River downstream from the Wauna powerlines will remain closed to retention from June 21 through Dec. 31, 2013.
The area from the Wauna powerline crossing upstream to Bonneville Dam, currently closed to retention, is scheduled to re-open Oct. 19. However, only an estimated 40 fish remain on the 2,021 fish guideline and the expectation is that the fall season will be rescinded.

Starting Jan. 1, 2014, anglers must release all white sturgeon in the lower Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to the mouth, the Washington Coast, Puget Sound and their tributaries. Catch-and-release fishing for white sturgeon will still be allowed.

The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited by permanent rule.

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.