February 19, 2025
Action: Sets 2025 spring Chinook seasons.
Species affected: Spring Chinook, hatchery steelhead, shad
Columbia River locations, dates, and rules:
From the Buoy 10 line upstream to Beacon Rock (a deadline marker on the Oregon bank (approximately 4 miles downstream of Bonneville Dam’s Powerhouse One) in a straight line through the western tip of Pierce Island to a deadline marker on the Washington bank at Beacon Rock); including Deep River (Wahkiakum Co.):
March 1-April 6: 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.
Shad retention is permitted, no minimum size or daily limit.
From Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam:
March 1-April 6: 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.
Shad retention is permitted, no minimum size or daily limit.
From Bonneville Dam upstream to the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam):
- March 1-March 31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit two hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon and wild steelhead.
- April 1-April 26: 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.
From the Tower Island power lines to The Dalles Dam:
- March 1-March 31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit two hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon and wild steelhead.
- April 1-April 26: 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.
From a line starting from a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approx. 1300’ upstream of the Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington southern shore located approx. 200’ above the fish ladder exit upstream to Hwy. 730 at the Washington/Oregon border:
- March 1-March 31: Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit two hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon and wild steelhead.
- April 1-April 26: 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.
Reason for action: Sets 2025 spring Chinook and steelhead season in the mainstem Columbia River consistent with the Compact Action of Feb. 19, 2025. The fisheries are set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring Chinook and to minimize impacts to other stocks of concern.
Additional information: All other permanent regulations apply, including year-round closure areas as listed in the sport fishing rules pamphlet.
Staff will monitor the fishery in-season. After the closure of the fishery, staff will review catches and determine if additional fishing opportunity is warranted.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.
Information contact: Region 5, 360-696-6211