Sport sturgeon retention season extended for the Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam, including the Cowlitz River

September 15, 2021

Action: Opens white sturgeon retention seasons.

Effective date: Saturday September 18, Sunday September 19, Wednesday September 22, Saturday September 25, and Wednesday September 29, 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. 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.