Columbia River sport fishery re-opens for spring chinook above Bonneville Dam

May 27, 2015

May 27, 2015

Columbia River spring chinook sport fishing
above bonneville dam re-opens

Action: Re-opens the chinook and steelhead season on the mainstem Columbia River upstream of Bonneville Dam.

Species affected: Spring chinook and steelhead.

Area: The mainstem Columbia River from the 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.

Effective date: Thursday May 28 through June 15, 2015.

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

Additional Regulations: Effective through June 15: When the mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island Powerlines (located approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) downstream to Bonneville Dam is open to fishing from the Washington bank for hatchery spring chinook, only hand-casted lines may be used. It is unlawful to use a floating device to set lines for salmon and steelhead.

Effective through June 15: When the mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam upstream to the Washington/Oregon state line is open to fishing for hatchery spring chinook, upstream of the Dalles Dam the possession limit will allow up to four adult chinook salmon in fresh form. Anglers aboard a boat may only possess one daily limit of salmon in fresh form.

Other information: Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license.

Reason for action: Harvestable numbers of hatchery salmon remain available based on the updated forecast of 260,000 fish, 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.