Fall Chinook Harvest to be allowed in the Snake River

August 10, 2018

August 10, 2018


Fall chinook harvest will be allowed in the Snake River

Action: The Snake River will open for harvest of fall chinook: Daily limit 6. Release all salmon other than adult hatchery chinook and jack chinook. Salmon minimum length 12 inches.

Washington licensed anglers must cease fishing for salmon and steelhead once their adult daily limit for either steelhead or salmon has been retained.

Effective date: August 18, 2018 through October 31, 2018

Species affected: Fall chinook salmon and steelhead

Location: Snake River from the mouth (Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at river mile 1.25) to the Oregon State line (approximately seven miles upstream of the mouth of the Grande Ronde River).

Reason for action: The 2018 Columbia River forecasted return of upriver bright adult chinook is 200,100. A significant portion of these fish are expected to return to the Snake River. Retention of hatchery fall chinook is not expected to increase impacts to ESA-listed wild fall chinook. Therefore, adult hatchery chinook and jack chinook over 12 inches may be retained in the Snake River.

Additional information: The fishery is open seven days per week. Adipose fin-clipped fish must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All adult chinook and steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon or steelhead in the Snake River. Anglers cannot remove any salmon or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily limit. Anglers should be sure to identify their catch because returning unmarked chinook, coho and steelhead are also in the Snake River during this fishery.

Low returns of steelhead have been predicted for the Snake River and tributaries for this return year, their numbers will be monitored as the season progresses. Anglers should continue to check emergency regulations for new and changing seasons. In addition, anglers are reminded to refer to the 2018/2019 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other rules and regulations.

Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist (509) 382-1005

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.