Columbia River Estuary sturgeon sport retention season extended for two periods

June 29, 2005

Action: Sturgeon retention in the Columbia River estuary will be allowed for two additional periods; July 5 through 10 and July 15 through 17:
July 5 through July 10- Sturgeon retention allowed daily.
July 11 through July 14 Sturgeon retention prohibited.
July 15 through July 17 Sturgeon retention allowed daily.
July 18 through Dec 31 Sturgeon retention prohibited.

Effective dates: July 5 through 10, 2005 and July 15 through 17, 2005.

Species affected: Sturgeon

Location: The mainstem Columbia River and tributaries downstream of the Wauna powerline crossing at rivermile 40 near Cathlamet.

Reason for action: It is anticipated that 13,650 sturgeon will be harvested by the current estuary sturgeon retention fishery which was scheduled to close beginning July 5, leaving 4,150 sturgeon remaining from the 17,800 fish annual harvest guideline. The adopted fishery extension is expected to result in a catch that remains within the harvest guideline set forth in the Joint State management plan concerning lower Columbia River sturgeon management and fisheries.

ยท Other information: The 45 inch minimum and 60 inch maximum size limits for retention remain in effect for the mainstem Columbia River and tributaries downstream of the Wauna powerlines. The daily limit is one sturgeon per day and the annual limit is five sturgeon. A Joint State Hearing is scheduled for July 13th to discuss on-going sturgeon sport fisheries in the lower Columbia River.

Information contact: Region 5, (360) 696-6211.

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.