Sturgeon retention fishing to close on 2 pools of the Columbia River

OLYMPIA – Recreational retention fishing for white sturgeon on two sections of the Columbia River mainstem will close over the next week, fishery managers from Oregon and Washington announced Tuesday.

The Dalles Pool (between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam) will close to sturgeon retention beginning Thursday, Jan. 26, while the John Day Pool (between John Day Dam and McNary Dam) will close beginning Monday, Jan. 30.

Fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) agreed to close the fisheries during a joint-state meeting Tuesday, noting that both pools were approaching their guidelines for the 2023 fishing seasons.

As of Monday, Jan. 23, anglers had kept 171 legal-size sturgeon in The Dalles Pool, representing about 90 percent of the 190-fish guideline. In the John Day Pool, anglers had kept 80 fish, about 76 percent of the 105-fish guideline. Managers estimated that both of those quotas would be reached in the coming days.

The Bonneville Pool between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam closed earlier this month following strong fishing effort and high catch rates. Managers determined that there was insufficient catch remaining on the guideline to add an additional day of sturgeon retention in Bonneville Pool.

All three pools remain open for catch-and-release sturgeon fishing. Anglers should consult the 2022-23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet  for permanent regulations, and keep an eye out for any potential emergency rule updates before heading out.

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.