Lower Klickitat River returns to permanent rules, salmon closure maintained above Lyle Falls

June 26, 2024

Action: Restores the permanent salmon rules for the lower Klickitat River described in the 2024-25 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. Maintains salmon closure above Lyle Falls. 

Effective date: July 2-31, 2024.

Species affected: Salmon.          

Locations and Rules: 

  • Klickitat River - From the mouth to Fisher Hill Bridge:  

Immediately, through July 1, 2024: Salmon: Closed.

July 2 through July 31, 2024: Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit six including no more than two adults. Release wild Chinook. (Permanent rules listed in 2024-2025 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet).

  • Klickitat River - From 400 feet upstream of Number 5 Fishway to boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon Hatchery:

Immediately, through July 31, 2024: Salmon: Closed. 

Aug. 1, 2024: Returns to permanent rules listed in 2024-2025 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Reason for action: The Klickitat River salmon season was closed earlier this year due to low returns of spring Chinook to the Klickitat Salmon Hatchery. Fishery co-managers have indicated that the majority of the spring chinook return has passed above Lyle Falls by the end of June, making continued closure of the hatchery chinook fishery in the lower river unnecessary. 

Additional information: Retention of hatchery spring chinook remains closed above Fisher Hill Bridge to allow hatchery Chinook migrating through this area to return to Klickitat Salmon Hatchery for broodstock needs. Salmon retention in the upper river will reopen under permanent rule Aug. 1, 2024. Anglers are reminded to check the 2024-2025 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional information.  

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, (360) 906-6746.

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.