Sturgeon fishery to remain closed to retention below Bonneville Dam

October 1, 2013

September 30, 2013

Sturgeon fishery to remain closed to
retention below Bonneville Dam

Action: Continues the non-retention period through the remainder of the year. The fishery will not re-open for retention beginning Oct. 19 as previously scheduled.

Effective Date: Immediately

Location: Columbia River and adjacent Washington tributaries from the Wauna power lines upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Species affected: White sturgeon.

Reason for action: The above-Wauna sturgeon fishery was originally scheduled to re-open to sturgeon retention 3-days per week beginning Oct.19. The harvest guidelines for the lower Columbia River were reached during the first half of the year following better than expected effort and angler success.

Additional information: In 2013, The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted regulations prohibiting white sturgeon retention in the lower Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, the Washington Coast, Puget Sound, and their tributaries, effective January 1, 2014. The Commission is scheduled to be briefed in December on updated population status information.

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.