Hanford Reach steelhead fishery to close Nov.10

November 7, 2018

Action: Closes steelhead fishing on the Columbia River from the Highway 395 Bridge (Pasco/Kennewick) upstream to the old Hanford townsite wooden powerline towers.

Effective date: Nov. 10 until further notice.

Species affected: Steelhead.

Location: Highway 395 Bridge (Kennewick/Pasco) upstream to the old Hanford townsite wooden powerline towers.

Reason for action: Steelhead returns to Ringold Springs Hatchery this fall are extremely low (96). The closure is needed to ensure sufficient numbers of steelhead will be available for broodstock to meet hatchery production.

Additional information: This year's return of Ringold Springs Hatchery steelhead is the lowest return on record in the past 18 years. A total of 300,000 fertilized eggs are needed at Ringold Springs Hatchery this spring to meet the production of 180,000 juvenile steelhead scheduled for release in 2020.

Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284.

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.