Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update

May 12, 2021

Action: Sets summer fishing regulations for salmon and steelhead.

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Effective Date: May 16 through July 31, 2021.

Locations, dates, and rules:


(1) From the Megler-Astoria Bridge to the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line:

Jun. 16 - Jul. 5: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jul. 6 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

(2) From the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line to the I-5 Bridge:

May 16 - Jun. 15: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jun. 16 - Jul. 5: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jul. 6 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

(3) From the I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam:

Jun. 16 - Jul. 5: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Jul. 6 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery jack Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

(4) From Bonneville Dam to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco:

Jun. 16 - Jul. 31: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a sockeye and up to 1 may be a steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye. Salmon min. size 12". Release wild steelhead.

Reason for action: This action applies summer fishery regulations developed through the 2021 North of Falcon season setting process.

Additional information: Anglers are reminded that barbless hooks are required for salmon and steelhead downstream of the Washington/Oregon border at Hwy. 730.
All other permanent regulations apply.

Information contact: Region 5: (360) 696-6211; Region 3: (509) 575-2740

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.