Public meeting scheduled to discuss Eastern Washington salmon and steelhead seasons

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will host a public meeting in Kennewick on March 29 to discuss salmon and steelhead seasons in the central and eastern regions of the state for the coming year.

Part of the annual North of Falcon salmon season-setting process, the meeting will address fisheries for the upper Columbia River (upstream of McNary Dam) and Snake River. This will be the first in-person meeting to discuss Eastern Washington salmon fisheries since 2019.

WDFW fishery managers will present forecasts and season proposals, and hear comment from the public on proposed seasons. Additionally, fishery managers will discuss the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Columbia River fishery policy as it relates to geographical allocations of spring Chinook harvest in recreational fisheries from the mouth of the Columbia River to the Snake River.

The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29 at the Kennewick Irrigation District office, located at 2015 S Ely St.. This is an in-person meeting only; however, a video presentation on proposed seasons and fishery guidelines is now available on YouTube. Anyone unable to attend the meeting can submit comments online.

For more information, including information about additional public meetings to discuss salmon seasons in other parts of the state, visit our North of Falcon webpage.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.