Columbia River spring Chinook seasons set

February 22, 2023

Action:  Sets spring Chinook seasons.

Species affected:  Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead, shad

Locations, dates, and rules:  

  1. Columbia River, from the Buoy 10 line 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.): 

March 1 through April 7:  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. 

Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

  1. Columbia River from Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:

March 1 through April 7:  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.

Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

  1. 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 from March 16 through May 6.

March 1 through March 31:  Salmon and steelhead:  Daily limit 2 hatchery steelhead.  Release all salmon and wild steelhead. 

April 1 through May 6:  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 minimum size: 12 inches.  

  1. From the Tower Island power lines to The Dalles Dam:

March 1 through March 31:  Salmon and steelhead:  Daily limit 2 hatchery steelhead.  Release all salmon and wild steelhead.

April 1 through May 6:  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 minimum size: 12 inches.

  1. 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:

April 1 through May 6:  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 minimum size: 12 inches.

Reason for action:  Sets 2023 spring Chinook and steelhead season in the Columbia River consistent with the Compact Action of February 22, 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

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, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.