May 1, 2025
Updated May 13 to indicate closing date of May 17, 2025. See closure announcement on the WDFW emergency rules page.
Action: Opens spring Chinook salmon fishing.
Effective dates: May 6-16, 2025.
Species affected: Chinook salmon
Location: Below Little Goose Dam: Snake River, from Texas Rapids boat launch (located on the south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River) upstream to the fishing restriction boundary below Little Goose Dam. This zone includes both shores and the rock and concrete area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and Little Goose Dam along the south shoreline of the facility (includes the walkway area locally known as “the Wall” in front of the juvenile collection facility).
Salmon Rules:
- Open Tuesdays and Fridays only.
- Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four hatchery (adipose clipped) Chinook including no more than one adult.
- Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
- Anglers must stop fishing for salmon when the adult limit has been retained.
- Barbless hooks required.
- Night closure in effect.
Reason for action: The 2025 Columbia River forecasted return of upriver spring Chinook salmon is sufficiently abundant to allow for harvest opportunity on the Snake River based on WDFW Commission Policy C-3630. The U.S. v. Oregon (2018-2027) Management Agreement provides Endangered Species Act coverage for this fishery.
Additional information: Current allocation based on the preseason forecast and prior to a run update is 407 fish for recreational fisheries in the Snake River (harvest plus release mortalities).
Adult Chinook are 24 inches or longer. Adipose fin-clipped Chinook salmon that may be retained must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All Chinook salmon with the adipose fin intact, all bull trout, and steelhead must be immediately released unharmed.
Anglers cannot remove any salmon or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily limit.
WDFW will monitor this fishery and the returns of spring Chinook throughout the season and may close the fishery at any time due to harvest levels, ESA impacts, in-season run adjustments, or any combination thereof. Please continue to check emergency rules if you are planning to fish for spring Chinook in the Snake River.
Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including safety closures, closed waters, etc.
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.
Information contact: Jeremy Trump, Fish Biologist, 509-382-1005