Hanford Reach (Columbia River) fall chinook salmon fishery enhancements

September 20, 2013

September 20, 2013

Hanford Reach (Columbia River) fall chinook
salmon fishery enhancements

Actions:

Effective Sept. 21 through Oct. 22, 2013:

1) Fishing for salmon with two poles is permitted from the Hwy. 395 Bridge in Pasco to Priest Rapids Dam if the angler possesses a two-pole license endorsement.

2) Daily limit 6 salmon, up to three (3) may be adult salmon. Once the daily limit of adult salmon is retained, anglers may not continue to fish for any species for the remainder of the day.

3) Open the closed water boundaries at the Priest Rapids Hatchery discharge channel, commonly referred to as Jackson/Moran Creek, to angling by boat only. Boat anglers are not allowed to fish in the hatchery discharge channel, but may fish in the Columbia River adjacent to the channel. The shoreline within the normal closed area boundary will remain closed to bank angling for safety and security of the hatchery.

Effective Sept. 21 through October 31, 2013:

1) The salmon fishery season between the Hwy. 395 Bridge and the Old Hanford townsite wooden powerline towers is extended through Oct. 31, 2013.

2) Daily limit 6 salmon, up to three (3) may be adult salmon. Once the daily limit of adult salmon is retained, anglers may not continue to fish for any species for the remainder of the day.

3) Fishing for salmon with two poles is permitted from the Hwy. 395 Bridge in Pasco to the Old Hanford townsite wooden powerline towers if the angler possesses a two-pole license endorsement.

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Location: Columbia River from Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco to Priest Rapids Dam

Other information: Anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon or steelhead. Anglers must have a current Washington fishing license as well as a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE). Revenue from the CRSSE supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system,

Reason for action: The current in-season run update is for 114,300 adult natural-origin fall chinook to return to the Hanford Reach spawning grounds, which is far in excess of the target spawning escapement. In addition, record returns of hatchery chinook to Priest Rapids and Ringold Spring hatcheries are anticipated.

Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330

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.