Upper Columbia River Salmon Fishery Update

September 27, 2024

Action: Opens coho retention. Clarifies that the section from Wells Dam to Hwy. 173 at Brewster is open for sockeye only.    

Species affected: Salmon.

Effective Dates:  Immediately through Oct. 15, 2024.

 Specific locations and rules: 

  1. Priest  Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam: Immediately through Oct. 15:

    Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches.  Daily limit six (6), including no more than two (2) adult Chinook and no more than two (2) coho.  Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.

  2. Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam: Immediately through Oct. 15:

    Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches.  Daily limit two (2) coho.  Release all salmon other than coho.

  3. Wells Dam to Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster: Immediately through Sept. 30:

    Salmon:  Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four (4) sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye.

  4. Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side): Immediately through Oct. 15:

    Salmon: Minimum size 12 inches.  Daily limit two (2) 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 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. 

Information contact: Region 2, 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. 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.