Columbia River mainstem, below Hwy 395 salmon fishery update

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020


Columbia River mainstem below Highway 395 salmon fishery update

Action: Extends season for Chinook and re-opens steelhead retention.

Effective date: July 16 through July 31, 2020.

Species affected: Chinook and steelhead.

Location: Columbia River, from a line projected from Rocky Point on the Washington bank through Red Buoy 44 to red navigation marker 2 at Tongue point on the Oregon bank upstream to Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco.

Rules: Salmon and steelhead; daily limit 6, up to 2 hatchery adults may be retained, of which no more than 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead.

Reason for action: The upper Columbia River summer Chinook run was updated to 65,000, with additional opportunity for harvest. No additional impacts on Snake River ESA-listed sockeye are expected to occur with this extension.

Additional information: Salmon and steelhead fishing remains closed through July 31 downstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue point line. Beginning Aug. 1, fall fisheries start and anglers are reminded to check the 2020-21 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for area-specific seasons and regulations.

After a brief closure, shad fishing is open in the Bonneville pool.

Fishery managers will continue to monitor returns to ensure that conservation goals are achieved.

Information contact: Region 5: 360-696-6211, Region 3: 509-575-2474.

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.