Sockeye salmon retention begins on the Columbia River

June 20, 2008

June 20, 2008

Sockeye salmon retention begins
on the Columbia River

Action: Anglers will be able to retain adult sockeye salmon during the mainstem Columbia summer Chinook fisheries.

Effective Date:
June 21 through June 28, 2008 from Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to Bonneville Dam.
June 21 through July 31, 2008 from Bonneville Dam upstream to Priest Rapids Dam.

Species affected: Sockeye

Location: Columbia River from the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to Priest Rapids Dam.

Reason for action: A large run of upper Columbia River sockeye is headed for the Wenatchee and Okanogan basins. The combined run is expected to far surpass the preseason forecast of 75,600 fish to the mouth of the Columbia River. Although the two sockeye populations in the upper Columbia River are healthy, fisheries below the mouth of the Snake River are limited to 1% of the run size to protect Snake River sockeye that are listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Other information: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit is six salmon, no more than two adults. Sockeye count as part of the adult daily bag limit. Any Chinook and sockeye (adipose fin clipped or not) may be retained. Below Bonneville Dam, release wild coho and chum.

Information contact: Region 5 office: (360) 696-6211 or Region 3 Pasco office: (509) 545-2284.

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.