3 days of sturgeon retention added in John Day Pool

February 9, 2023

Action: Opens the following three days for sturgeon retention: Saturday, Feb. 11, Wednesday, Feb. 15, and Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.

Effective dates: Immediately, through April 30, 2023.

Species affected: White sturgeon

Location: From John Day Dam to McNary Dam, and all adjacent Washington tributaries.

Rules: Days open for white sturgeon retention: Saturday, Feb. 11; Wednesday, Feb. 15, and Saturday, Feb. 18, only:  Daily limit 1. Min. size 43” fork length. Max. size 54” fork length.

  • Catch-and-release only on all other dates, through April 30; retention is prohibited.

Reason for action:  In John Day pool, 21 fish remain under the harvest guideline. The relatively low daily catch rates indicate this fishery can support the additional three days of retention fishing. The projected harvest through Feb. 18, 2023 is 96 fish out of the 105-fish harvest guideline.

Additional information:  John Day Pool remains open for catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon on days not open to retention, as do many other stretches of the Columbia. Fishing for sturgeon at night is prohibited.

Information contact:  Region 5 office, 360-696-6211

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.