Columbia River sturgeon retention prohibited March 24 to June 30 from Bonneville Dam downstream to Wauna powerlines at Cathlamet

March 18, 2003

March 18, 2003

Columbia River sturgeon retention prohibited
March 24 to June 30 from Bonneville Dam
downstream to Wauna powerlines at Cathlamet

Action: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will require anglers to release all sturgeon caught in the Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam downstream to the Wauna powerlines at rivermile 40 near Cathlamet.

Effective date: March 24 through June 30, 2003

Species affected: Sturgeon

Location: Mainstem Columbia River and all tributaries from Bonneville Dam downstream to the Wauna powerlines at rivermile 40 near Cathlamet.

Reason for action: This action enacts one of two retention closures established during the pre-season planning process for sturgeon fishery management to keep the 2003 sport harvest within the 32,000 white sturgeon harvest guideline.

Other information: Seven-day-a -week sturgeon retention from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam is scheduled to resume July 1, 2003 and remain open through December 31, 2003. The Columbia River and tributaries from the Wauna powerlines downstream to the mouth are anticipated to remain open seven days a week to sturgeon retention through July 9, 2003, then close to sturgeon retention from July 10, 2003 through September 30, 2003. Anglers are allowed to catch and release sturgeon during closed periods.

Information contact: WDFW Region 5 office, (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, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.