Sport sturgeon retention season changes to Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday only for Bonneville Pool

November 10, 2022

Action:  Changes white sturgeon retention season structure from seven days per week, to three days per week.

Effective dates:  Jan. 1 through March 22, 2023.

Species affected:  White sturgeon.

Location:  From Bonneville Dam to the Dalles Dam and all adjacent Washington tributaries.

Rule:  Open for retention Sunday, Jan. 1, and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only, through March 22. Daily limit 1. Min. size 38” fork length. Max. 54” fork length. Catch-and-release allowed on days closed to retention.

Reason for action:  The three-days-per-week opening will help prolong the season in Bonneville Pool and allow managers to monitor catch rates more closely.

Additional information:  Bonneville Pool remains open for catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon on days not open to retention, as do many other stretches of the Columbia. In addition, the John Day Pool between John Day Dam and McNary Dam opens to sturgeon retention seven-days-per-week starting Jan. 1, following permanent rules.

Information contact:  Region 5 office; 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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.