Columbia River spring Chinook seasons

February 12, 2009

Action:

1. Area 1: The mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to Hayden Island power lines (west towers).

2. Area 2: The mainstem Columbia River from Hayden Island power lines (west towers) upstream to Bonneville Dam.


3. Area 3: The mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island power lines in Bonneville Pool upstream to McNary Dam, plus the Washington bank between Bonneville Dam and the Tower Island power lines.

Effective dates:
1. Area 1: Effective March 1 through March 15, fishing for salmon, steelhead or shad is open 7 days per week. March 16 through April 18, fishing for salmon, steelhead or shad is only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The daily salmonid bag limit is 6 fish, no more than 2 adult salmon or steelhead or one of each of which no more than one may be a Chinook adult. Release wild Chinook and wild steelhead.

2. Area 2: Effective March 1 through March 22, fishing for salmon, steelhead or shad is open 7 days per week. March 23 through April 22, fishing for salmon, steelhead or shad is only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The daily salmonid bag limit is 6 fish, no more than 2 adult salmon or steelhead or one of each of which no more than one may be a Chinook adult. Release wild Chinook and wild steelhead.


3. Area 3: Effective March 16 through April 30, fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad is open 7 days per week. The daily salmonid limit is 6 fish, no more than 2 adult salmon or steelhead, or one of each. Release wild Chinook and steelhead.

Species affected: Chinook salmon, steelhead, shad.

Location: The mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream to McNary Dam.

Other Information: The fisheries are being set initially for March and April seasons. Seasons after April are expected to occur and will be determined at a later date. For the mainstem Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery upstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line effective February 15 through June 15, it is unlawful when fishing from vessels which are less than 30 feet in length, substantiated by Coast Guard documentation or Marine Board registration, to totally remove from the water any salmon or steelhead required to be released.

Reason for action: Hatchery spring Chinook are available for harvest and mark-selective rules provides for protection of wild fish.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

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.