Columbia River spring chinook sport fishery seasons set

February 11, 2003

Actions: The mainstem Columbia River, from the I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam, portions of Bonneville Pool, The Dalles Pool, and John Day Pool will open Feb. 15 to adipose fin-clipped chinook. The season from the I-5 Bridge downstream to Buoy 10 will be extended.

Effective date: February 15 through May 15 - from the I-5 Bridge upstream to Bonneville Dam, 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. Currently open through May 15 - from Buoy 10 upstream to the I-5. Both areas may close earlier if the upriver impact guideline is achieved.

Species affected:Chinook, steelhead, shad

Location: Columbia River from Buoy 10 to McNary Dam (see areas listed above).

Reason for action: A management agreement for spring chinook was signed in 2001 that allows for selective fishing for adipose fin-clipped spring chinook in the Columbia River, while minimizing impacts to protected wild fish. The upriver spring chinook return is predicted to be 145,400 fish destined for areas above Bonneville Dam. The fishery will be managed to remain within the allowable impact rate for ESA listed wild spring chinook stocks.

Other information: All areas may close prior to May 15 if the impact guideline for upriver spring chinook is reached. Hatchery steelhead and shad may be kept in addition to adipose fin-clipped chinook. Salmon daily limit is six fish, no more than two of which may be adults; minimum size is 12 inches. Trout (including hatchery steelhead) daily limit is two fish; minimum size is 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. 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.