July 15, 2005
Sturgeon retention in Columbia River estuary
extended for anglers through August 15
Action: Retention of sturgeon in the Columbia River estuary will continue to be allowed seven days per week through August 15.
Effective dates: Immediately through August 15, 2005.
Species affected: Sturgeon
Location: The mainstem Columbia River and tributaries downstream of the Wauna powerline crossing at River Mile 40 near Cathlamet.
Reason for action: White sturgeon harvest has slowed in the Columbia River estuary and the sport harvest guideline of 17,800 fish will not be reached by the scheduled retention closure date of July 18. At that time, an estimated 4,070 sturgeon will still remain on the annual harvest guideline. The fishery extension is expected to result in a harvest that remains within the guideline set forth in the joint state management plan concerning lower Columbia River sturgeon management and fisheries.
Other information: The 45-inch minimum and 60-inch maximum size limits for retention remain in effect for the mainstem Columbia River and tributaries downstream of the Wauna powerlines. The daily limit is one sturgeon per day; the annual limit is five sturgeon. Only one single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Information contact: Region 5, (360) 696-6211.
extended for anglers through August 15
Action: Retention of sturgeon in the Columbia River estuary will continue to be allowed seven days per week through August 15.
Effective dates: Immediately through August 15, 2005.
Species affected: Sturgeon
Location: The mainstem Columbia River and tributaries downstream of the Wauna powerline crossing at River Mile 40 near Cathlamet.
Reason for action: White sturgeon harvest has slowed in the Columbia River estuary and the sport harvest guideline of 17,800 fish will not be reached by the scheduled retention closure date of July 18. At that time, an estimated 4,070 sturgeon will still remain on the annual harvest guideline. The fishery extension is expected to result in a harvest that remains within the guideline set forth in the joint state management plan concerning lower Columbia River sturgeon management and fisheries.
Other information: The 45-inch minimum and 60-inch maximum size limits for retention remain in effect for the mainstem Columbia River and tributaries downstream of the Wauna powerlines. The daily limit is one sturgeon per day; the annual limit is five sturgeon. Only one single-point barbless hook is allowed.
Information contact: Region 5, (360) 696-6211.