September 14, 2023
Action: Opens Chinook and hatchery coho retention from west end of Puget Island to below the new Bonneville Dam Powerhouse. Maintains previously announced changes from Buoy 10 to the west end of Puget Island.
Species affected: Salmon.
Effective Date: Sept. 15 through Dec. 31, 2023.
Location: From a true north and south line projected through Buoy 10 upstream to the west end of Puget Island (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: Daily limit 3 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook. Chinook min. size 24”. Coho min. size 16”. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and hatchery coho.
- Oct. 1 through Oct. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults including no more than 1 Chinook may be retained. Salmon min. size 12”. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and hatchery coho.
- Nov. 1 through Dec. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults including no more than 1 Chinook and no more than 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Salmon min. size 12”. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook, hatchery coho, and hatchery steelhead.
From the west end of Puget Island upstream to the Warrior Rock Line (a projected line from the Warrior Rock lighthouse through Red Buoy 4 to the marker atop the piling dolphin located at the downstream end of Bachelor Island on the Washington Shore)
- Sept. 15 through Sept. 17: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook. Salmon min. size 12”. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and hatchery coho.
From the Warrior Rock Line upstream to a point 600 feet below the new Bonneville Dam Powerhouse:
- Sept. 15 through Sept. 21: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adult salmon including no more than 1 Chinook. Salmon min. size 12”. Release all salmon and steelhead other than Chinook and hatchery coho.
Reason for action: The Columbia River Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) recently updated the upriver stock component of the Chinook return to the Columbia River mouth to 590,000. Current in-season evaluation of catch and stock composition allows for additional Chinook and hatchery coho retention opportunity in areas downstream of Bonneville Dam.
Additional information: Additional rules and area descriptions can be found in the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Information contact: Region 5, 360-696-6211