Retention fishery for sturgeon to close from John Day Dam to McNary Dam

March 21, 2008

March 21, 2008

Recreational sturgeon fishery to close
from John Day Dam to McNary Dam

Action: Retention fishery for sturgeon will close March 26 between John Day Dam and McNary Dam on the Columbia River.

Effective date: Begins 12:01 a.m., March 26 and runs through Dec. 31, 2008.

Species affected: Sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam.

Reason for action: The closure date for retention of sturgeon was adopted because Washington and Oregon fish managers estimate that the harvest guideline of 165 fish will be caught by March 25.

Other information: The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam will remain open to sturgeon retention until the guideline is reached. The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam remains closed to sturgeon retention through December 31. The spawning sanctuaries from the Highway 395/I-82 bridge upstream to McNary Dam and from the Rufus grain elevator upstream to John Day Dam will be closed to all sturgeon fishing May 1 through July 31.

Information contact: Dennis Gilliland, (360) 906-6733.

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.