Yakima River spring chinook fishery opens

June 2, 2011

Action: Yakama Nation and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife open the Yakima Reservation boundary Reach to spring chinook fishing.

Effective date: June 3 through June 30, 2011

Species affected: Hatchery chinook salmon

Location: Yakima River from the Highway 223 Bridge (at Granger) upstream to the Burlington Northern railroad bridge approximately 1,200 feet downstream of Sunnyside (Parker) Diversion Dam (20.9 river miles).

Reason for action: Yakama Nation (YN) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers are forecasting a harvestable return of adult hatchery spring chinook to the Yakima River in 2011. Opening the "Reservation Boundary Reach" increases opportunity to harvest hatchery spring chinook in one of the most productive sections of the Yakima River for salmon fishing.

Non-tribal anglers who fish from either river bank (north or south shore), islands or from boats (or other floating devices) in the river reach bordering the Yakama Nation Reservation, extending from the SR 223 Granger Bridge upstream to the Burlington Northern railroad bridge downstream of Sunnyside Dam, must purchase a Yakama Nation tribal fishing permit, in addition to a 2011 WDFW freshwater fishing license and the Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement. This section of river bordering the reservation is open to salmon fishing for non-tribal members courtesy of the Yakama Nation.

Daily limit of two (2) hatchery chinook. Minimum size - 12 inches. Hatchery salmon are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin. Wild salmon (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.

Special Gear Restriction for all species - Only one, single (point), barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less is permitted. Use of bait is allowed.

Night closure in effect.

Fishing for steelhead remains closed. All steelhead must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.


Information contacts: Eric Anderson, Dist. 8 Fish Biologist, (509) 457-9301 (Yakima), or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).

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.