May 30, 2007
Action: Extends the Ringold Area Bank Fishery for hatchery spring Chinook
Effective date: June 1 - 15, 2007
Species affected: Chinook salmon
Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (RSRF) in Franklin Co. from the WDFW markers ¼ mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet to the markers ½ mile upstream of Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet). Only the hatchery side of the river is open - bank fishing only; Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet) is closed.
Reason for action: High river flows have reduced anticipated catch rates. There is additional opportunity for spring Chinook fishing under the current Endangered Species Act (ESA) guideline. The extended season is expected to harvest hatchery Chinook while minimizing impacts to ESA listed species.
Other information: Daily limit: 2 hatchery Chinook salmon, 12-inch minimum size. Only Chinook with a clipped adipose fin and having a healed scar at the location of the fin may be retained. Night closure and non-buoyant lure restrictions remain in effect. When non-buoyant lure restrictions are in effect, only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained. All wild Chinook (identified by an intact adipose fin) must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima)
Effective date: June 1 - 15, 2007
Species affected: Chinook salmon
Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (RSRF) in Franklin Co. from the WDFW markers ¼ mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet to the markers ½ mile upstream of Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet). Only the hatchery side of the river is open - bank fishing only; Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet) is closed.
Reason for action: High river flows have reduced anticipated catch rates. There is additional opportunity for spring Chinook fishing under the current Endangered Species Act (ESA) guideline. The extended season is expected to harvest hatchery Chinook while minimizing impacts to ESA listed species.
Other information: Daily limit: 2 hatchery Chinook salmon, 12-inch minimum size. Only Chinook with a clipped adipose fin and having a healed scar at the location of the fin may be retained. Night closure and non-buoyant lure restrictions remain in effect. When non-buoyant lure restrictions are in effect, only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained. All wild Chinook (identified by an intact adipose fin) must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima)