Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update

May 12, 2021

Action: Sets summer fishing regulations for salmon and steelhead.

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Effective Date: May 16 through July 31, 2021.

Locations, dates, and rules:


(1) From the Megler-Astoria Bridge to the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line:

Jun. 16 - Jul. 5: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jul. 6 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

(2) From the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line to the I-5 Bridge:

May 16 - Jun. 15: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jun. 16 - Jul. 5: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jul. 6 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

(3) From the I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam:

Jun. 16 - Jul. 5: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jul. 6 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

(4) From Bonneville Dam to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco:

Jun. 16 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Reason for action: This action applies summer fishery regulations developed through the 2021 North of Falcon season setting process.

Additional information: Anglers are reminded that barbless hooks are required for salmon and steelhead downstream of the Washington/Oregon border at Hwy. 730.
All other permanent regulations apply.

Information contact: Region 5: (360) 696-6211; Region 3: (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.