Columbia River spring Chinook season extended

May 24, 2023

Action: Extends the mainstem spring Chinook season below Bonneville Dam.

Species affected: Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead

Locations, dates, and rules:

  1. Columbia River, from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upstream to Beacon Rock (a deadline marker on the Oregon bank (approximately 4 miles downstream of Bonneville Dam’s Powerhouse One) in a straight line through the western tip of Pierce Island to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock); including Deep River (Wahkiakum Co.):

Immediately through June 4: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches.

  1. Columbia River from Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:

Immediately through June 4: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches.

Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only immediately through June 4.

  1. Columbia River, from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam):

Fishing from a vessel is prohibited; bank angling with hand-cast lines only immediately through May 24.

Immediately through May 24: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

  1. From the Tower Island power lines to The Dalles Dam:

Immediately through May 24: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

  1. From a line starting from a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approx. 1300’ upstream of the Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington southern shore located approx. 200’ above the fish ladder exit upstream to Hwy. 730 at the Washington/Oregon border:

Immediately through May 24: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

Reason for action: The U.S. v. OR Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the Columbia River upriver spring Chinook return on May 22 to 153,000, compared to the pre-season forecast of 198,600. The recreational fishery downstream of Bonneville Dam has sufficient remaining allocation of upriver spring Chinook ESA impacts to allow for an extension. Insufficient allocation remains for the fishery upstream of Bonneville Dam at the current run size. The 2023 spring Chinook and steelhead season in the Columbia River is consistent with the Compact Action of Feb. 22, April 4, May 17 and May 24, 2023. The fisheries were set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring Chinook and to minimize impacts to other stocks of concern. 

Additional information: All other permanent regulations apply, including year-round closure areas as listed in the sport fishing rules pamphlet.

Staff will continue to monitor the fishery in-season and determine if additional fishing opportunity is warranted.

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, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.