Spring chinook possession limit, bank angling on the Columbia River above Bonneville Dam

April 9, 2015

April 9, 2015

Columbia River – above Bonneville Dam
spring chinook possession limit and bank angling

Effective date: April 13 through June 15, 2015.

Species affected: Spring chinook, steelhead and shad.

Action #1: Allows only hand-casted lines to be used.

Area: Mainstem Columbia River on the Washington shore from Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) downstream to Bonneville Dam

Restrictions: Washington shore only: When the mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island powerlines (located approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) downstream to Bonneville Dam is open to fishing from the Washington bank for hatchery spring chinook, only hand-casted lines may be used. It is unlawful to use a floating device to set lines for salmon and steelhead during this timeframe.

Reason for action: Based on recent coded-wire tag and genetic analysis, the majority of the fish caught have been destined to areas other than local tributaries.

Action #2: Increase allowed in salmonid possession limit upstream of The Dalles Dam.

Area: Mainstem Columbia River from The Dalles Dam upstream to the Washington/ Oregon state line.

Restrictions: When the mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) upstream to the Washington/Oregon border is open for hatchery spring chinook retention in the area upstream of The Dalles Dam the possession limit will include an additional 2 daily limits of salmon in fresh form (up to four adult salmon). Anglers aboard a boat may still only possess one daily limit of salmon in fresh form.

Reason for action: Permanent possession limits allow two daily limits in fresh form, which allows for only 2 fish, given the 1-fish daily bag limit. In an effort to promote this fishery as a destination fishery, this rule will allow anglers to possess a reasonable amount of fish during their stay.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

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.