May 18, 2023
Updated 5/24 to reflect correct end date for season above The Dalles.
Action: Reopens the mainstem spring Chinook season.
Species affected: Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead.
Locations, dates, and rules:
- 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.):
May 19 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 min. size 12 inches.
- Columbia River from Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:
May 19 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 min. size 12 inches.
Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only.
- 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 May 19 through May 24.
May 19 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 min. size 12 inches.
- From the Tower Island power lines to The Dalles Dam:
May 19 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 min. size 12 inches.
- 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:
May 19 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 min. size 12 inches.
Reason for action: The U.S. v. OR Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the Columbia River upriver spring Chinook return and provided a minimum return expectation of 139,000 compared to the pre-season forecast of 198,600 on May 15, 2023. The pre-season buffer has been removed and when combined with pre-update catches, sufficient recreational allocation of upriver spring Chinook ESA impacts remain available for this fishery. The 2023 spring Chinook and steelhead season in the Columbia River is consistent with the Columbia River Compact action of February 22, April 4 and May 17, 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 monitor the fishery in-season. After the closure of the fishery, staff will review catches and determine if additional fishing opportunity is warranted.
Information contact: Region 5, 360-696-6211