Sturgeon sport retention seasons set for 2006 for the Columbia River and tributaries below Bonneville Dam

December 27, 2005

Action:
(1) Above Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam:
Jan 1-Jul 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42 inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.
Aug 1-Sep 30 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.
Oct 1-Dec 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42-inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.

Action:
(1) Above Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam:
Jan 1-Jul 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42 inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.
Aug 1-Sep 30 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.
Oct 1-Dec 31 - Sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 42-inch minimum size limit. Release sturgeon on other days.


(2) Below Wauna power lines downstream to Columbia River mouth:
Jan 1-Apr 30 - Sturgeon retention allowed seven days per week, 42-inch minimum size limit.
May 1-May 12 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.
May 13-Jul 4 - Sturgeon retention allowed seven days per week, 45-inch minimum size limit.
Jul 5-Dec 31 - Sturgeon retention not allowed.

Effective date: Jan.1, 2006 Dec. 31, 2006

Species affected: Sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam downstream to the mouth.

Reason for action: The regulation is consistent with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission guidance for 2006-2008 sturgeon fishery management. The dates and size limits for retention of sturgeon are based on the 2006 sturgeon seasons adopted at the joint Washington-Oregon public hearing on December 15, 2005.

Other information: Catch and release fishing is allowed seven days per week except the area from Bonneville Dam downstream to Beacon Rock is closed to all fishing for sturgeon from May 1-July 31. Maximum size remains 60 inches. The annual limit is five sturgeon.

Information contact: Region 5, (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.