Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update

September 29, 2022

Action:  Re-opens previously closed waters downstream of Bonneville Dam and returns most areas of the Columbia River downstream of Bonneville Dam to rules listed in 2022/23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet, beginning Oct. 1. Exceptions to pamphlet seasons listed below:

Species affected:  Salmon and steelhead.

Locations, rules, and effective dates:  

1.  From a true north-south line through Buoy 10 to a line from Rocky Point on the Washington bank through Red Buoy 44 to the red navigation marker 2 at tongue Point on the Oregon Bank (Rocky Point/Tongue Point line), and including Youngs Bay:

Immediately through Sept. 30 (permanent rules as listed in 2022/2023 pamphlet):  Daily limit 3. Min. size 16”. Release all salmon and steelhead other than hatchery coho.

2.  From the Rocky Point/Tongue point line upstream to a line at the west end of Puget Island projected from green navigation marker 39 on the Washington bank to green navigation marker 41, then to red navigation marker 42, and terminating at red navigation marker 44A on the Oregon bank:

Immediately through Sept. 30:  Closed.

Oct. 1 – Oct. 31:  Daily limit 6. Min. size 12”. Up to 2 adults may be retained, including no more than 1 Chinook. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and hatchery coho.

Nov. 1- Dec. 31:  Daily limit 6. Salmon min. size 12”. Up to 2 adult salmonids (salmon and steelhead) may be retained, including no more than 1 Chinook. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook, hatchery coho, and hatchery steelhead.

3.  From a line at the west end of Puget Island projected from green navigation marker 39 on the Washington bank to green navigation marker 41, then to red navigation marker 42, and terminating at red navigation marker 44A on the Oregon bank to a straight line from a fishing boundary sign on the Oregon shore near the old Corbett boat ramp through the eastern tip of Reed Island (East Reed Island line) to the Washington shore, including Camas Slough:

Immediately through Sept. 30:  Closed.

4.  From the East Reed Island line to a point 600’ below the new Bonneville Dam Powerhouse:

Immediately through Sept. 30:  Daily limit 6. Min. size 12”. Up to 2 adults, including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and hatchery coho.

Reason for action:  Current in-season catch projections indicate that minimal ESA-listed lower river tule Chinook are expected to be handled downstream of Bonneville Dam and allows Chinook and hatchery coho retention effective October 1, 2022, with most areas reverting back to permanent regulations.  These fisheries are opened under joint-state agreement.

Additional information:  All other permanent regulations apply.

Staff will continue to monitor the progress of ongoing fisheries, with an expectation to manage within allowed ESA impact rates.

Anglers can be notified of all in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for WDFW Regulation Updates at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact:  Region 5:  (360) 696-6211

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, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.