Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update

June 7, 2023

Action:  Sets summer season regulations downstream of Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco.

Species affected:  Salmon and steelhead.

Effective Date:  June 16 through July 31, 2023

Locations, dates, and rules:  

  1. From the Megler-Astoria Bridge upstream to The Dalles Dam:

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

  1. From The Dalles Dam upstream to a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approximately 1300’ upstream of The Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington south shore located approximately 200’ above the fish ladder exit:

Immediately until further notice:  Closed to fishing for and retention of salmon and steelhead.

  1. From a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approximately 1300’ upstream of The Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington south shore located approximately 200’ above the fish ladder exit upstream to Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco.

June 16 through July 31:  Salmon and steelhead:  Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which 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 2023 North of Falcon season setting process and is consistent with co-manager agreements.

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

Sockeye count toward the adult portion of the daily limit. 

All year-round closure areas and 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, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.