July 6, 2023
Action: Raises the sockeye daily limit.
Species affected: Sockeye salmon.
Salmon Rules: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six including no more than four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye and jack Chinook.
Effective dates, locations, and additional rules:
- Columbia River from Columbia Point (1/3 mile downstream of I-182 Bridge at Richland) to Interstate-182 Bridge at Richland: Open immediately through July 15, 2023.
Open only to bank fishing with hand-casted lines from shore on the west (Richland) side of the river when fishing for salmon. Closed to angling for salmon from a vessel and to salmon fishing from shore on the east (Pasco) side of the river.
- Columbia River from Interstate-182 Bridge at Richland upstream to 650 feet below Priest Rapids Dam: Open immediately through Aug. 15, 2023.
Reason for action: The U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee updated the sockeye salmon run from 234,500 pre-season to approximately 331,000. At this updated run size there are additional sockeye available for harvest in the Columbia River upstream of the Snake River.
Additional information: Chinook that are 24 inches or greater in length are classified as adult. Anglers can use two poles when fishing for salmon with the Two-Pole Endorsement. Night closure in effect for salmon. Barbless hooks are not required when fishing for salmon in this area of the Columbia River.
Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, 509-545-2284 (Pasco) or Yakima regional office at 509-575-2740 (email TeamYakima@dfw.wa.gov) for information on sport fishing downstream of Priest Rapids Dam.