Release of sport-caught sturgeon between John Day Dam and McNary Dam

April 5, 2011

April 5, 2011

Release of sport-caught sturgeon between
John Day Dam and McNary Dam

Action: The sport fishery for white sturgeon between John Day Dam and McNary Dam on the Columbia River will close to retention.

Effective date: 12:01 a.m., April 10 through Dec. 31, 2011.

Species affected: White sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam.

Reason for action: The closure date for retention of sturgeon was adopted because Washington and Oregon fish managers estimate that the harvest guideline of 500 fish will be reached on April 9, 2011.

Other information: Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon will still be allowed between John Day and McNary dams, and between Bonneville and The Dalles dams. The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam remain open to sturgeon retention until the harvest guideline for that reservoir is reached. The spawning sanctuaries from the Highway 395/I-82 bridge upstream to McNary Dam and from the Rufus grain elevator upstream to John Day Dam will be closed to all sturgeon fishing May 1 through July 31.

Information contact: Dennis Gilliland, (360) 906-6733.

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.