Lower Columbia River summer salmon and steelhead fishery update

May 23, 2025

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

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Effective Date: June 16­­–July 31, 2025

Locations, dates, and rules: 

From the Megler-Astoria Bridge to The Dalles Dam:

  • June 16–21: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to one steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the steelhead portion of the daily limit has been retained.
  • June 22–July 6: Salmon and steelhead: daily limit six, including no more than one sockeye and no more than one steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the adult and steelhead portion of the daily limit has been retained.
  • July 7–July 31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to one steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the steelhead portion of the daily limit has been retained.

From The Dalles Dam, upstream to a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore, located approximately 1,300 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 1,300 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 16–21: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to one steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the steelhead portion of the daily limit has been retained.
  • June 22–July 6: Salmon and steelhead: daily limit six including no more than one sockeye and no more than one steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the adult and steelhead portion of the daily limit has been retained.
  • July 7–July 31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six. Up to one steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Release wild steelhead. Anglers may not continue to fish for salmon after the steelhead portion of the daily limit has been retained.

Reason for action: This action applies summer fishery rules developed through the 2025 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.

Continuing to fish for jack salmon is prohibited once the daily adult salmon and/or steelhead limit has been retained.

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

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.

Information contacts:

  • Southwest Region - Region 5: 360-696-6211
  • South Central Region - 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.