Spring chinook retention to close on the Klickitat River

May 31, 2019

Action: Closes retention of spring chinook on the Klickitat River.

Effective date: June 5, 2019 until further notice.

Species affected: Spring chinook.

Location: From the mouth (Burlington Northern railroad bridge) to the boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon Hatchery.

Reason for action: The number of hatchery-origin spring chinook that have returned to Klickitat Salmon Hatchery is far below the 500 fish needed to meet the hatchery escapement goal. As of May 28th, only 42 adults have been collected for the hatchery program. Closing the river to spring chinook retention will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure future hatchery returns. WDFW will continue working with co-managers to monitor the progress of broodstock collection and reopen the fishery if returns indicate that hatchery goals will be met.

Additional information: The Klickitat River remains open from the mouth to the Yakama Reservation boundary for retention of hatchery steelhead. Anglers may retain up to 3 hatchery steelhead per day.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, district fish biologist, 360-906-6746.

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.