Updated salmon seasons on the Upper Columbia River

July 29, 2020

Action: Increases daily sockeye limits.

Species affected: Salmon.

Revised Columbia River Areas, Effective Dates, and Rules:

From Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam. August 3 through August 31, 2020. Daily limit six (6) salmon. Up to two (2) may be adult hatchery Chinook and up to four (4) may be sockeye. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

From Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam. August 3 through October 15, 2020. Daily limit six (6) salmon. Up to two (2) may be adult hatchery Chinook and up to four (4) may be Sockeye. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

From Wells Dam to the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster. August 3 through September 15, 2020. Daily limit six (6) salmon. Up to two (2) may be adult hatchery Chinook and up to four (4) may be sockeye. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

From the Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side). August 3 through October 15, 2020. Daily limit six (6) salmon. Up to two (2) may be adult hatchery Chinook and up to four (4) may be sockeye. Minimum size 12 inches. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

Reason for action: The U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the sockeye salmon run to approximately 340,000. At this updated run size there are additional surplus Sockeye available for the mainstem Columbia River. The TAC is comprised of representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, NOAA, and the Treaty Tribes and are responsible for developing pre-season and in-season run forecast that salmon season are based on.

Anglers are advised to check WDFW’s website routinely for updates (https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/).

Additional information:

1) Anglers are reminded that the Colville Confederated Tribes will be collecting broodstock and fish for ceremonial and subsistence. Please be respectful of this activity.

2) Fishing closures around dams remain in effect and as described in the 2020-2021 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet (http://www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/).

3) Two-pole fishing is allowed with valid a two-pole endorsement in the mainstem Columbia River for the seasons described above.

4) Barbed hooks allowed.

Information contact: Call the Ephrata regional office (509-754-4624) or email TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov.

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.