Sport white sturgeon retention allowed in the Columbia River, from Wauna powerlines to Bonneville Dam

September 6, 2019

Action: Allows a limited sturgeon retention fishery. White sturgeon from 44-inches minimum to 50-inches maximum fork length may be retained.

Effective dates: Saturday, September 21 and Saturday, September 28, 2019, only.

Species affected: White Sturgeon

Locations: Mainstem Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam and the Cowlitz River.

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

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

Only 1 single-point barbless hook and bait is allowed when fishing for sturgeon.

Daily white sturgeon limit: One fish

Annual white sturgeon limit: Two fish

Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

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.

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.