Priest Rapids sturgeon spawning sanctuary boundary change

April 23, 2010

Action: Change the downstream boundary of the new Columbia River sanctuary area that is closed to all sturgeon fishing during the spawning season.

Effective date: May 1, through July 31, 2010.

Species affected: White sturgeon.

Location: From Priest Rapids Dam downstream approximately 2.5 miles to the boundary marker on the river bank 400 feet downstream of the Priest Rapids Hatchery outlet channel (Jackson Creek).

Reason for action: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) river flow gage towers and cableway that currently comprise the downstream sturgeon spawning sanctuary boundary line are in the process of being dismantled and removed. A new boundary line is required to implement the sturgeon spawning sanctuary this year.

Other information: The area downstream from Priest Rapids Dam to the existing boundary marker on the river bank 400 feet below the mouth of Jackson Creek is closed to all sturgeon fishing (including catch-and-release) from May 1 - July 31 to protect spawning sturgeon from injury and stress.

Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima).

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.