Snake River spring chinook fishery to open

April 21, 2008

Action / Species affected: The Snake River below Ice Harbor Dam, and the area between Texas Rapids and about 1 mile upstream of Little Goose Dam, will open for spring/summer Chinook fishing in late April 2008.

Locations: Two areas: A) From the Railroad Bridge crossing the Snake River just above the mouth upstream to the no fishing zone about 400 ft below Ice Harbor Dam; and B) From Texas Rapids Boat Launch upstream about 7 miles to the boat launch approximately 1 mile upstream of Little Goose Dam (along the south shore).

Dates: Area A) April 22, 2008 through June 15, 2008 and Area B) April 24 through June 15, 2008.

Reason for action: There are sufficient numbers of hatchery origin fish, within allowable limits for potential impacts upon wild fish, to open this Snake River fishery.

Other Information: Fishing open seven days per week. Night closure is in effect. The salmon daily limit will be two hatchery (adipose clipped) Chinook only with a minimum size of 12 inches. The adipose fin-clipped fish must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All Chinook with the adipose fin intact, and all steelhead, must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for all species in these areas of the Snake River during the salmon fishery. For this fishery it shall be unlawful to use any hook larger than 5/8 inch (point of hook to shank). Anglers cannot remove any Chinook from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers are reminded to refer to the current 2007/2008 sport fishing rules pamphlet (in effect through April 30, 2008, and the new 2008 / 2009 fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet (in effect May 1, 2008) for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc. Angler catch rates will be monitored closely and Snake River salmon fisheries may be closed prior to June 15 based upon conservation needs.


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.