Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update

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

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Effective Date: June 16 through July 31, 2024

Locations, dates, and rules: 

1. From the Megler-Astoria Bridge to Bonneville Dam:

June 16-19: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, of which up to one may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

June 20-July 31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, of which up to one may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

2. From Bonneville Dam to the Dalles Dam:

June 16-30: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, of which up to one may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

July 1-31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, of which up to one may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

3. From the Dalles Dam upstream to a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approximately 1300 feet 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 feet above the fish ladder exit:

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

4. From a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approximately 1300 feet 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 feet above the fish ladder exit upstream to Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco:

June 16-30: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, of which up to one may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

July 1-31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to two adults may be retained, of which up to one may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

Reason for action: This action applies summer fishery rules developed through the 2024 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 Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco. 

Sockeye count toward the adult portion of the daily limit. 

All year-round closure areas listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet and other permanent regulations apply.

Information contacts: Team Ridgefield, southwest region: 360-696-6211

Team Yakima, south central region: 509-575-2740