Sport sturgeon retention to open for two days on portion of lower Columbia River

July 28, 2021

Action: Opens white sturgeon retention seasons.

Effective date: Saturdays, Sept. 11 and Sept. 18, 2021 only.

Species affected: White Sturgeon.

Locations: The Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam, including the Cowlitz River.

Rules: White sturgeon from 44-inches minimum to 50-inches maximum fork length may be retained. (Fork length is measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the caudal fin (tail) with the fish laying on its side on a flat surface, with the tape measure/ruler positioned flat under the fish)

Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon will continue to be allowed on all non-retention days.

Daily white sturgeon limit: One fish.

Annual white sturgeon limit: Two fish.

Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

Reason for action: The legal-size population is large enough to allow for a limited retention fishery within the lower Columbia River.

Information contact: Region 5; 360-696-6211

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.