November 8, 2018
Action: Returns Columbia River to permanent rule.
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019.
Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.
Location: Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to Hwy. 395 at Pasco.
Reason for action: Fall fisheries in 2018 were closed in the Columbia River after the fall chinook fishery exceeded its allowable impacts under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This occurred as fall chinook counts at Bonneville Dam fell far short (31 percent) of the number anticipated pre-season.
Staff has reviewed the potential for reopen coho and steelhead fisheries in the Columbia River mainstem. However, these fisheries would continue to accrue fall chinook ESA impacts at a time when the non-treaty fisheries do not have additional fall chinook ESA impacts remaining.
Beginning Jan. 1 winter steelhead and spring chinook seasons begin, when fall chinook are no longer present.
Additional information: Salmon and steelhead angling will remain closed from Buoy 10 to Hwy. 395 at Pasco through Dec. 31. Most tributaries remain open for salmon and steelhead fishing, but anglers are reminded to check for emergency fishing rule changes before heading out.
Information contact: Region 3: (509) 575-2740; Region 5: (360) 696-6211.
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019.
Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.
Location: Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to Hwy. 395 at Pasco.
Reason for action: Fall fisheries in 2018 were closed in the Columbia River after the fall chinook fishery exceeded its allowable impacts under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This occurred as fall chinook counts at Bonneville Dam fell far short (31 percent) of the number anticipated pre-season.
Staff has reviewed the potential for reopen coho and steelhead fisheries in the Columbia River mainstem. However, these fisheries would continue to accrue fall chinook ESA impacts at a time when the non-treaty fisheries do not have additional fall chinook ESA impacts remaining.
Beginning Jan. 1 winter steelhead and spring chinook seasons begin, when fall chinook are no longer present.
Additional information: Salmon and steelhead angling will remain closed from Buoy 10 to Hwy. 395 at Pasco through Dec. 31. Most tributaries remain open for salmon and steelhead fishing, but anglers are reminded to check for emergency fishing rule changes before heading out.
Information contact: Region 3: (509) 575-2740; Region 5: (360) 696-6211.