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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.