Sturgeon sport retention seasons set for 2006 for the Columbia River and tributaries below Bonneville Dam

December 27, 2005

Action:
(1) Above Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam:
Jan 1-Jul 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42 inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.
Aug 1-Sep 30 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.
Oct 1-Dec 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42-inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.

Action:
(1) Above Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam:
Jan 1-Jul 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42 inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.
Aug 1-Sep 30 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.
Oct 1-Dec 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42-inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.


(2) Below Wauna power lines downstream to Columbia River mouth:
Jan 1-Apr 30 - Sturgeon retention allowed seven days per week, 42-inch minimum size limit.
May 1-May 12 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.
May 13-Jul 4 - Sturgeon retention allowed seven days per week, 45-inch minimum size limit.
Jul 5-Dec 31 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.

Effective date: Jan.1, 2006 Dec. 31, 2006

Species affected: Sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam downstream to the mouth.

Reason for action: The regulation is consistent with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission guidance for 2006-2008 sturgeon fishery management. The dates and size limits for retention of sturgeon are based on the 2006 sturgeon seasons adopted at the joint Washington-Oregon public hearing on December 15, 2005.

Other information: Catch and release fishing is allowed seven days per week except the area from Bonneville Dam downstream to Beacon Rock is closed to all fishing for sturgeon from May 1-July 31. Maximum size remains 60 inches. The annual limit is five sturgeon.

Information contact: Region 5, (360) 696-6211.

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.