Two-fish annual limit for sturgeon to start April 1

March 25, 2013

Action: Moves up the implementation date for the 2-fish annual personal-use limit for white sturgeon, from May 1, 2013 to April 1, 2013.

Effective dates: April 1, 2013

Species affected: White sturgeon

Location: Statewide

Reason for action: The 2-fish annual personal-use limit rule for white sturgeon, adopted at the March 15, 2013 Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission conference call, is scheduled to take affect May 1, 2013. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) adopted a two-fish annual personal-use limit for white sturgeon on March 21, 2013, effective April 1, 2013. This emergency rule change is needed to: 1) promote orderly fisheries and maintain concurrent rules with ODFW in adjacent boundary waters of the Columbia River until the permanent statewide rule takes effect and 2) align the change in the annual personal-use limit with the WDFW license-year and annual personal-use limit catch reporting period of April 1 through March 31.

Other information: Effective Jan. 1, 2014, retention of white sturgeon is prohibited for anglers fishing in the lower Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, the Washington coast, Puget Sound, and their tributaries.

Information contact: (360) 902-2700

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.