Columbia River spring Chinook season to close

May 31, 2023

Action:  Closes all salmon and steelhead fisheries below Bonneville Dam.

Species affected:  Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead

Location:  Columbia River, from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Effective date:  June 1 through June 15, 2023

Rules:  Salmon and steelhead:  Closed 

Reason for action:  Updated runsize estimates have lowered the upriver spring Chinook salmon runsize to 143,000, compared to the pre-season forecast of 198,600. Data indicates that allowed impacts to ESA listed upriver spring Chinook salmon have been exceeded by the collective treaty and non-treaty catches to-date (9.09% as compared to the allowed 9.0%).

Fishery managers will continue to monitor actual returns closely in the weeks ahead.

Additional information:  All other permanent regulations apply.  

Information contact:  Region 5: (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.