Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update

June 27, 2024

Action: Closes retention of sockeye from the Megler-Astoria Bridge to the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco, beginning June 28. 

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Effective Date: Immediately, through July 31, 2024.

Locations, dates, and rules: 

  • From the Megler-Astoria Bridge to Bonneville Dam:
    • Immediately, through June 27: 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.
    • June 28 through July 31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six including no more than one hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.
  • From Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam:
    • Immediately, through June 27: 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 28-30: 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. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.
    • July 1-31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six including no more than one hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.
  • 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.
  • 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 the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco.
    • Immediately, through June 27: 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 28-30: 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. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.
    • July 1-31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six including no more than one hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

Reason for action: The recreational allocation of sockeye has been met given the current run size. 

Additional information: Anglers are reminded that barbless hooks are required for salmon and steelhead downstream of Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco. 

All year-round closure areas listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet 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, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.