April 5, 2023
Columbia River spring Chinook season extended
Action: Extends the spring Chinook season below Bonneville Dam
Species affected: Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead, shad
Locations, dates, and rules:
- Columbia River, from the Buoy 10 line upstream to Beacon Rock (a deadline marker on the Oregon bank (approximately 4 miles downstream of Bonneville Dam’s Powerhouse One) in a straight line through the western tip of Pierce Island to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock); including Deep River (Wahkiakum Co.):
Immediately through April 11: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches.
Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.
- Columbia River from Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:
Immediately through April 11: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon min. size 12 inches.
Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only.
Shad retention is permitted, no min. size or daily limit.
- Columbia River, from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam):
Fishing from a vessel is prohibited; bank angling with hand-cast lines only immediately through May 6.
Immediately through May 6: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.
- From the Tower Island power lines to The Dalles Dam:
Immediately through May 6: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.
- From a line starting from a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approx. 1300’ upstream of the Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington southern shore located approx. 200’ above the fish ladder exit upstream to Hwy. 730 at the Washington/Oregon border:
Immediately through May 6: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit 6, up to 2 adults may be retained of which no more than 1 may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.
Reason for action: A significant balance on the pre-season buffered allocation of upriver spring Chinook remains available for the fishery below Bonneville Dam. The 2023 spring Chinook and steelhead season in the Columbia River is consistent with the Compact Action of February 22 and April 4, 2023. The fisheries were set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring Chinook and to minimize impacts to other stocks of concern.
Additional information: All other permanent regulations apply, including year-round closure areas as listed in the sport fishing rules pamphlet.
Staff will monitor the fishery in-season. After the closure of the fishery, staff will review catches and determine if additional fishing opportunity is warranted.
Information contact: Region 5: (360) 696-6211