Columbia river spring chinook season extended upstream of the I-5 Bridge

June 5, 2007

June 5, 2007
Columbia River spring chinook season
extended upstream of the I-5 Bridge

Action: The mainstem Columbia River from the I-5 Bridge upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Effective dates: June 6 through June 15.

Species affected: Chinook, steelhead and shad.

Location: The mainstem Columbia River from the I-5 Bridge upstream to Bonneville Dam, except where closed under permanent regulations. The area from Tongue Point/Rocky Point upstream to the I-5 Bridge is open through June 15

Daily Limits: Salmon - 6 fish of which only 2 may be adults. Only adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) salmon may be retained. Release all wild coho, sockeye and chum. Minimum size - 12 inches.
Trout - 2 fish. All wild steelhead and wild cutthroat must be released. Minimum size - 12 inches. Shad - No daily limit or minimum size limit for shad.

Other Information: It is unlawful to totally remove from the water any salmon or steelhead required to be released, except when fishing from vessels which are a minimum of 30 feet in length, substantiated by Coast Guard documentation or Marine Board registration. The fishery may close earlier than June 15 if Endangered Species Act (ESA) impacts are reached earlier than anticipated.

Reason for action: The upriver spring chinook runsize is predicted to be greater than the preseason forecast of 78,500 providing for additional opportunity for spring chinook fishing in the mainstem Columbia under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) guideline. The extended area is expected to allow for harvest of hatchery chinook while minimizing impacts to ESA listed species.

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.