Portion of Snake River to open for one day of spring chinook fishing

May 24, 2019

Action: Opens a one-day spring chinook fishery at Little Goose Dam.

Effective date: May 27.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

Location: Below Little Goose Dam: Snake River from Texas Rapids boat launch (south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River) to the fishing restriction boundary below Little Goose Dam. This zone includes the rock and concrete area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and Little Goose Dam along the south shoreline of the facility (includes the walkway area locally known as "The Wall" in front of the juvenile collection facility).

Reason for action: Fishery managers have determined that sufficient harvest allocation remains to allow for a one-day spring chinook fishery in this area.

Additional information:

Salmon: Daily limit 4, up to 1 adult may be retained. Minimum size 12 inches. Only hatchery chinook, as evidenced by a clipped adipose fin with a healed scar, may be retained. Release all other salmon. The Snake River opens for steelhead fishing on May 25; anglers may not continue to fish for salmon or steelhead once the adult salmon daily limit has been retained. Any chinook over 24 inches is considered an adult. Night closure is in effect.

On days and in areas open for salmon, barbless hooks are required for all species.

When open for retention, anglers cannot remove any salmon or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily bag limit.

Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2018-19 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional regulations, including safety closures, closed waters, and others. Through June 30, anglers are required to obtain a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement to fish for salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries.

Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist 509-382-1005

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.