Sturgeon retention season closes between Bonneville and The Dalles Dam

July 8, 2011

July 8, 2011

Release of sport-caught sturgeon between
Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam

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

Effective date: 12:01 a.m., July 9 through December 31, 2011.

Species affected: White Sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles 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 2,000 fish has been reached. Closing the fishery on July 9 is the soonest action can be taken and still allow the agencies to provide at least 24-hour notice to anglers.

Other information: Catch and release of sturgeon will still be allowed between Bonneville and The Dalles dams. The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam remains open to sturgeon retention until the harvest guideline for that reservoir is reached. The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between John Day Dam and McNary Dam remains closed to sturgeon retention. The spawning sanctuaries from the Highway 395/I-82 bridge upstream 1.5 miles to McNary Dam and from the Rufus grain elevator upstream 2.4 miles to John Day Dam remain closed to all sturgeon fishing 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.