June 7, 2023
Action: Sets summer season regulations in the Hanford Reach.
Species affected: Salmon.
Locations, dates, and rules:
- From Columbia Point (1/3 mile downstream of I-182 Bridge at Richland) to I-182 Bridge at Richland:
June 16 through June 30, 2023: Salmon: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. Anglers can use two poles when fishing for salmon with the Two-Pole Endorsement. Night closure in effect for salmon.
Open only to bank fishing with hand-casted lines from shore on the west (Richland) side of the river. Closed to angling for salmon from a vessel and to fishing from shore on the east (Pasco) side of the river.
- From Interstate-182 Bridge at Richland upstream to 650 feet below Priest Rapids Dam:
June 16 through June 30, 2023: Salmon: Min. size 12”. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook. Anglers can use two poles when fishing for salmon with the Two-Pole Endorsement. Night closure in effect for salmon.
Reason for action: This action applies summer fishery regulations developed through the 2023 North of Falcon season setting process and is consistent with co-manager agreements.
Additional information: Barbless hooks are not required when fishing for salmon in this area of the Columbia River. All sockeye 12” or greater in length and Chinook 24” or greater in length are classified as adult.
Effective July 1, regulations for the summer Chinook and sockeye fishery upstream of the Interstate 182 Bridge and the “bank fishing only” section below Interstate 182 Bridge will be listed in the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
With the exception of the “bank fishing only” area listed above, all waters from Hwy. 395 Bridge to I-182 Bridge are closed to fishing for salmon and steelhead during the summer salmon fishery.
Information contact: Region 3, 509-575-2740, or Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, 509-545-2284.