Lower Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishery update

June 7, 2023

Action:  Sets summer season regulations downstream of Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco.

Species affected:  Salmon and steelhead.

Effective Date:  June 16 through July 31, 2023

Locations, dates, and rules:  

  1. From the Megler-Astoria Bridge upstream to The Dalles Dam:

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

  1. From The Dalles Dam upstream to a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approximately 1300’ upstream of The Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington south shore located approximately 200’ above the fish ladder exit:

Immediately until further notice:  Closed to fishing for and retention of salmon and steelhead.

  1. From a line starting at a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approximately 1300’ upstream of The Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington south shore located approximately 200’ above the fish ladder exit upstream to Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco.

June 16 through July 31:  Salmon and steelhead:  Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained, of which 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 2023 North of Falcon season setting process and is consistent with co-manager agreements.

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

Sockeye count toward the adult portion of the daily limit. 

All year-round closure areas and 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.