Columbia River spring chinook sport fishery season reduced in Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day Pools

April 29, 2003

April 29, 2003

Columbia River spring chinook sport fishery season
reduced in Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day Pools

Action: The mainstem Columbia River from Bonneville Dam upstream to McNary Dam will be closed Sundays through Tuesdays each week through May 15, 2003. Fishing will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays only.

Effective date: May 4 through May 15, 2003.

Species affected:Chinook, steelhead, shad

Location: Bonneville Pool from the Tower Island power lines upstream to The Dalles Dam (and the Oregon bank between Bonneville Dam and the Tower Island power lines), all of The Dalles and John Day pools.

Reason for action: Modifications to the Columbia River sport fishery are necessary to keep impacts to protected upriver spring chinook within the guidelines of the pre-season plans and consistent with the 2001 management agreement.

Other information: Fishing for hatchery chinook from Buoy 10 upstream to the I-5 bridge will remain open Wednesdays through Saturdays for the time being. The mainstem fishery from Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam will close under permanent regulations beginning May 16. All areas could close prior to May 15 if the impact guideline on upriver spring chinook is reached before that time. Hatchery steelhead and shad may be kept in addition to adipose fin-clipped chinook. Salmon daily limit is six fish, no more than two adults. Minimum size is 12 inches. Trout (including hatchery steelhead) daily limit is two fish; minimum size of 12 inches. Wild steelhead and chinook with adipose fins intact must be released. Wild cutthroat must be released below Bonneville Dam. There is no daily limit for shad in Washington.

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. 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.