Sport sturgeon retention season closes in Bonneville Pool

January 28, 2016

Action: Closes retention of sturgeon in Bonneville Pool.

Effective dates: Feb. 8, 2016 until further notice.

Species affected: White sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam (Bonneville Reservoir).

Reason for action: The winter-season portion of the annual harvest guideline is expected to be reached. This decision was made Jan. 27 at a joint Washington-Oregon public hearing.

Other information: Fishery managers will meet again in March or April to set dates for the summer retention season. Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon will still be allowed between Bonneville and The Dalles dams when retention is not allowed, except fishing for sturgeon is prohibited May 1 through July 31 in the spawning sanctuary from The Dalles Dam downstream 1.8 miles to a line from the east (upstream) dock at the Port of The Dalles boat ramp straight across to a marker on the Washington shore.

Information contact: Region 5 office 360-696-6211.

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.