Columbia River spring chinook season reopens in upper Bonneville to McNary Dam

May 11, 2006

May 11, 2006
Columbia River spring Chinook season reopens
in Upper Bonneville Pool to McNary Dam

Action: The mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) upstream to McNary Dam opens May 13 through June 15.

Effective dates: May 13 through June 15, 2006, or until guideline is achieved.

Species affected: Chinook, steelhead and shad

Location: The mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) upstream to McNary Dam (see Closed Waters in the Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet).

Daily Limits: Salmon - 6 fish of which only 2 may be adults. Only adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) salmon may be retained. Release all chum and sockeye.
Trout - 2 fish. All wild steelhead must be released. The minimum size for both salmon and trout is 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 before June 15 if Endangered Species Act (ESA) impacts are reached earlier than anticipated.

Reason for action: The upriver spring Chinook run size has been updated to range between 65,000 and 88,400 providing for additional opportunity for spring Chinook fishing in this area, under the current ESA guideline. The extended season 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.