September 21, 2022
Action: Opens the Lower Yakima River to fishing for salmon.
Effective date: Friday, Sept. 23 through Monday, Oct. 31, 2022.
Species affected: Chinook and coho salmon.
Location: From the Hwy. 240 Bridge in Richland (river mile 2.1) to the Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser (river mile 47.0).
Rules:
- Daily limit 2 adult salmon. No limit on jack salmon. Minimum size is 12”.
- Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.
- Barbless hooks required when fishing for salmon.
- Anglers can use two poles when fishing for salmon with the Two-Pole Endorsement.
- Night closure in effect for salmon.
Reason for action: Current fish passage through the Prosser Diversion indicates that fall Chinook and coho are expected to return in sufficient numbers to provide sport fishing opportunity for anglers in the Lower Yakima River.
Additional information: Anglers must stop fishing for salmon once they have retained their adult daily limit. Chinook measuring 24" or more in length and coho measuring 20" or more in length are classified as adults.
Fishing remains closed from 200' downstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse to 200' upstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse.
Fishery managers will continue to monitor the return and announce any additional changes to the fishery if necessary. Anglers are advised to check WDFW's website for fishery rule change updates at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules. Also, you can receive all in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for email notification through WDFW regulation updates at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 fish biologist, 509-545-2284.