Lower Columbia River update

May 11, 2022

Action: Re-opens spring Chinook fishery downstream of Bonneville Dam.

Species affected: Chinook, steelhead and shad.

Location, dates, and rule:

(1) Columbia River: From a projected line from Rocky Point on the Washington bank through Red Buoy 44 to the red navigation marker 2 at Tongue Point on the Oregon bank to the Interstate 5 Bridge:

May 12 through May 22: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

May 23 through June 3, follow permanent rule: Daily limit 6, up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

June 4 through June 15: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

(2) Columbia River: From the Interstate 5 Bridge to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock:

May 12 through May 22: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

May 23 through June 3, follow permanent rule: Salmon and steelhead: Closed. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

June 4 through June 15: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

(3) Columbia River: From a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:

May 12 through May 22: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only.

May 23 through June 3, follow permanent rule: Salmon and steelhead: Closed. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

June 4 through June 15: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.

Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only.

Reason for action: The U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee updated the 2022 upriver spring Chinook return to 161,800, which allows for additional spring Chinook directed angling opportunity. This action re-opens the spring Chinook fisheries consistent with the Compact Action of May 11, 2022. The fisheries were set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring Chinook and to minimize impacts to other stocks of concern.

Additional information: All other permanent regulations apply.

If you would like to stay up to date on Fishing Rule Changes as they are announced, you can sign up for the agency email list at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

WDFW will announce the summer fishery season (beginning June 16) emergency rule prior to the fishery opening.

Information contact: Region 5: (360) 696-6211

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.