September 19, 2024
Action: Opens coho retention.
Species affected: Salmon.
Effective dates: Sept. 21 through Oct. 15, 2024.
Specific locations and rules:
- Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit six, including no more than two adult Chinook and no more than two coho. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
- Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit two coho. Release all salmon other than coho.
- Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side):Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit two coho. Release all salmon other than coho.
Reason for action: Returns of upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet conservation objectives and to provide for sport angler harvest between Priest Rapids Dam and Chief Joseph Dam.
Additional information: Fishing closures around dams remain in effect and as described in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules. Two-pole fishing is allowed with a valid two-pole endorsement in the mainstem Columbia River for the seasons described above. Barbed hooks and bait allowed. Salmon fishing seasons in Entiat River (through Sept. 30) and Chelan River (through Oct. 15) remain closed.
WDFW will be monitoring these fisheries closely and may close the season early if necessary due to excessive incidental catch-and-release impacts to ESA-listed summer steelhead. Anglers can check the emergency rules webpage for updates, or sign up for the Fishing Rule Change alerts email list on the WDFW webpage.