April 9, 2009
April 9, 2009
Ringold area bank fishery opens May 1
for hatchery spring chinook salmon
Action: Open the Ringold area bank fishery for hatchery spring Chinook.
Effective date: May 1, 2009 through June 15, 2009.
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (RSRF) in Franklin Co. from the WDFW markers ¼ mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet to the markers ½ mile upstream of Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet). Only the hatchery side of the river is open to bank fishing only; Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet) is closed.
Reason for action: WDFW predicts that 200+ hatchery spring chinook (approximately 125 age 3 jacks and 75 age 5 adults) will return to the RSRF in 2009. All returning fish are available for harvest. The permanent [rule] season (May 1-31) is being extended two weeks to adjust for a significant delay in the return of the upper Columbia spring chinook run and to allow anglers more time to catch as many hatchery chinook as possible. The "anti-snagging rule" that replaces the "non-buoyant lure restriction" on May 1, 2009 is being removed for this bank fishery because "plunking" from shore with a plug-cut herring using two, single hooks is a popular method to catch spring chinook at this location. Permitting the use of a second, single-point hook will not encourage snagging activity in this fishery.
Other information: Daily limit: 2 hatchery salmon, 12-inch minimum size. Only chinook with a clipped adipose fin and having a healed scar at the location of the fin may be retained. Night closure in effect. All wild chinook (with an intact adipose fin) must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima)
Ringold area bank fishery opens May 1
for hatchery spring chinook salmon
Action: Open the Ringold area bank fishery for hatchery spring Chinook.
Effective date: May 1, 2009 through June 15, 2009.
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Location: Waters of the Columbia River adjacent to Ringold Springs Rearing Facility (RSRF) in Franklin Co. from the WDFW markers ¼ mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet to the markers ½ mile upstream of Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet). Only the hatchery side of the river is open to bank fishing only; Ringold Springs Creek (hatchery outlet) is closed.
Reason for action: WDFW predicts that 200+ hatchery spring chinook (approximately 125 age 3 jacks and 75 age 5 adults) will return to the RSRF in 2009. All returning fish are available for harvest. The permanent [rule] season (May 1-31) is being extended two weeks to adjust for a significant delay in the return of the upper Columbia spring chinook run and to allow anglers more time to catch as many hatchery chinook as possible. The "anti-snagging rule" that replaces the "non-buoyant lure restriction" on May 1, 2009 is being removed for this bank fishery because "plunking" from shore with a plug-cut herring using two, single hooks is a popular method to catch spring chinook at this location. Permitting the use of a second, single-point hook will not encourage snagging activity in this fishery.
Other information: Daily limit: 2 hatchery salmon, 12-inch minimum size. Only chinook with a clipped adipose fin and having a healed scar at the location of the fin may be retained. Night closure in effect. All wild chinook (with an intact adipose fin) must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
Information contacts: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima)