Lower Columbia River spring chinook fishery

May 1, 2020

Action: Opens spring chinook season on the mainstem Columbia River from Warrior Rock to Bonneville Dam.

Effective dates: May 5, 7, 9, and 13 (4 days)

Species affected: Spring chinook, steelhead, shad

Location: Warrior Rock line upstream to Beacon Rock (boat and bank) plus bank angling only from Beacon Rock upstream to the Bonneville Dam deadline.

Reason for action: Reopens spring chinook and steelhead season in the Columbia River consistent with the Compact Action on May 1, 2020. Washington closed fisheries statewide beginning March 25 to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Gov. Jay Inslee relaxed restrictions on fishing beginning May 5.

The fisheries were set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring chinook and to maximize returns to hatcheries on the Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers. Managers will monitor the fisheries and dam counts and adjust as necessary.

Additional information:
Open for boat and bank fishing for chinook and steelhead from the Warrior Rock line to Beacon Rock, plus bank angling only from Beacon Rock upstream to the Bonneville Dam deadline. The legal upstream boat boundary is defined as the 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.

Daily limit is 6 hatchery salmonids, including no more than 2 adults of which no more than 1 may be an adult chinook. Release all wild chinook, wild coho and wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches. Shad retention is permitted, there is no min. size or daily limit.

Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon and steelhead.

Information contact: Region 5: (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.