Columbia River spring Chinook season extended

May 16, 2024

Columbia River spring Chinook season extended

Action: Extends the mainstem spring Chinook season below Bonneville Dam.

Species affected: Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead.

Locations, dates, and rules:

Columbia River from Tongue Point/Rocky Point line upstream to Beacon Rock. The legal upstream boat boundary is a deadline marker on the Oregon bank (approximately four miles downstream from Bonneville Dam Powerhouse One) in a straight line through the western tip of Pierce Island to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock. Includes Deep River in Wahkiakum County:

  • May 17-19, May 25-27, and June 12-15, 2024: Salmon and steelhead. Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained, of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. 

Columbia River from Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:

  • May 17-19, May 25-27, and June 12-15, 2024: Salmon and steelhead. Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained, of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches. Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only .

Reason for action: The U.S. v. OR Technical Advisory Committee updated the Columbia River upriver spring Chinook return on May 13 to 122,400 compared to the pre-season forecast of 121,000. The recreational fishery downstream of Bonneville Dam has sufficient remaining allocation of upriver spring Chinook Endangered Species Act (ESA) impacts to allow for an extension. Insufficient allocation remains for the fishery upstream of Bonneville Dam at the current run size. The fisheries were set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring Chinook and to minimize impacts to other stocks of concern.

Additional information: Summer steelhead season opens May 16 from the I-5 Bridge downstream to the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line. Shad season also opens May 16 from Buoy 10 upstream to Bonneville Dam. All other permanent regulations apply, including year-round closure areas as listed in the sport fishing rules pamphlet. 

Staff will continue to monitor the fishery in-season and determine if additional fishing opportunity is warranted. 

Information contact: Team Ridgefield, 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.