Hatchery coho retention reopens in portions of the Columbia River mainstem

October 29, 2019

This fishing rule change has been updated October 29, 2019 to reflect and make clear that salmon and steelhead fishing closures between the Dalles Dam and the Hwy. 395 Bridge, implemented earlier, remain in effect.

Action: Reopens hatchery coho retention from Tongue Point to the Dalles Dam.

Effective date: October 18 through December 31, 2019.

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Location: Columbia River from a line projected from Rocky Point on the Washington bank through Red Buoy 44 to red navigation marker 2 at Tongue Point on the Oregon bank to the Dalles Dam.

Salmon and steelhead rules by location:

From the Rocky Point/Tongue Point Line to Bonneville Dam: October 18 through October 31, 2019: Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all steelhead and salmon other than hatchery coho. Effective November 1: permanent rules as listed in the 2019/2020 Washington Sportfishing pamphlet.

From Bonneville Dam to the Hood River Bridge: October 18 through October 31, 2019: Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all steelhead and salmon other than hatchery coho. November 1 through December 31: Closed.

From the Hood River Bridge to the Dalles Dam: October 18 through October 31, 2019: Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all steelhead and salmon other than coho. November 1 through December 31: Closed.

From the Dalles Dam to the Hwy. 395 Bridge (Pasco/Kennewick): October 18 through December 31, 2019: Closed.


Reason for action: Opportunity to target hatchery coho is available in the Columbia River mainstem. Impacts to listed steelhead and Chinook are expected to be minimal and within allowed impact limits.

Additional information: Hatchery coho and hatchery steelhead fisheries downstream of Bonneville are anticpated to follow permanent rules starting November 1, as listed in the 2019/2020 Washington Sportfishing Rules pamphlet. Fishery managers will continue to monitor the run and evaluate for possible future openings. Anglers can follow emergency rule changes at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/.

Please see the 2019-20 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional rules or visit the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.

Information contact: Region 5 Ridgefield office, 360-696-6211; Region 3 Yakima Office, 509-575-2740

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.