Summer chinook fishing opens June 16 on Columbia River's Hanford Reach

June 13, 2003

Action: Open the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River downstream of Priest Rapids Dam to chinook salmon fishing.

Effective date: June 16 through July 31, 2003

Species affected: Chinook

Location: Columbia River from the Hwy. 395 bridge at Pasco upstream to Priest Rapids Dam.

Reason for action: A strong run of summer chinook is expected to pass Priest Rapids Dam in 2003 and fish are available for harvest. This stock is stable to increasing and not listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Other information: Daily limit will be six salmon, but no more than two adults. All sockeye salmon and steelhead must be released unharmed.

Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fishery Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).

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.