Sport sturgeon retention season closes in Bonneville Pool

January 28, 2016

Action: Closes retention of sturgeon in Bonneville Pool.

Effective dates: Feb. 8, 2016 until further notice.

Species affected: White sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam (Bonneville Reservoir).

Reason for action: The winter-season portion of the annual harvest guideline is expected to be reached. This decision was made Jan. 27 at a joint Washington-Oregon public hearing.

Other information: Fishery managers will meet again in March or April to set dates for the summer retention season. Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon will still be allowed between Bonneville and The Dalles dams when retention is not allowed, except fishing for sturgeon is prohibited May 1 through July 31 in the spawning sanctuary from The Dalles Dam downstream 1.8 miles to a line from the east (upstream) dock at the Port of The Dalles boat ramp straight across to a marker on the Washington shore.

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. 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.