Spring chinook sport seasons above Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River

February 21, 2008

February 21, 2008

Spring chinook sport seasons above
Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River

Action: Columbia River from Bonneville Dam upstream to McNary Dam to be open to fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad.

Date: March 16 through May 10, 2008

Location: The mainstem Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to the Tower Island powerlines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) bank fishing only. From the Tower Island power lines upstream to McNary Dam bank and boat fishing. (Check "Closed Waters" in the Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet.)

Species affected: Chinook, steelhead and shad

Daily Limits: Salmon - 6 fish of which only two may be adults. Only adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) salmon may be retained. Release all wild chinook, sockeye and chum. Release wild coho downstream from the Hood River Bridge. Minimum size 12 inches. Trout - 2 fish. All wild steelhead must be released. Minimum size 12 inches. Shad - No daily limit or minimum size limit for shad.

Other Information: Upstream from the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line it is unlawful to totally remove from the water any salmon or steelhead required to be released, except when fishing from vessels which are a minimum of 30 feet in length, substantiated by Coast Guard documentation or Marine Board registration. The fishery may close earlier if Endangered Species Act (ESA) impacts are reached earlier than anticipated.

Reason for action: The upriver spring chinook run size is predicted to be 269,300 fish providing for additional opportunity for spring chinook fishing in the mainstem Columbia under the current Endangered Species Act (ESA) guideline. The extended season is expected to allow for harvest of hatchery Chinook while minimizing impacts to ESA listed species.

Additional information: The 2008 spring chinook season is designed to allow for recreational fishing opportunity in the Columbia River while remaining within the limits set under ESA guidelines. The seasons are very specific and anglers will need to be aware of all the restrictions put in place in order to protect ESA listed salmonids. Seasons may change in season as the fishery progresses and anglers are advised to check hotlines or contact regional offices for season updates prior to angling.

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.