Columbia River spring Chinook season extended

May 23, 2024

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

Species affected: Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead

Locations, dates, and rules:  

Columbia River from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upstream to Beacon Rock. The legal upstream boat boundary is a deadline marker on the Oregon bank (approximately four miles downstream from Bonneville Dam Powerhouse One) in a straight line through the western tip of Pierce Island to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock. Includes Deep River in Wahkiakum County:

  • May 24-27 and June 12-15, 2024:
    • Salmon and steelhead. Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained, of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. 

Columbia River from Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:

  • May 24-27 and June 12-15, 2024:
    • Salmon and steelhead. Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained, of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches.
  • Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only.

Reason for action: The recreational fishery downstream of Bonneville Dam has sufficient allocation of upriver spring Chinook ESA impacts to allow for an extension. Insufficient allocation remains for the fishery upstream of Bonneville Dam. The fisheries were set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring Chinook and to minimize impacts to other stocks of concern.

Additional information: Shad angling from a vessel is permitted from Beacon Rock upstream to Hamilton boat ramp. 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: Team Ridgefield, 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.