Summer steelhead fishery on mainstem Columbia River and some tributaries to be restricted

June 9, 2017

Actions:

(1) From June 16 through July 31, 2017, only 1 hatchery steelhead may be retained in the daily limit in the Columbia River from the Megler-Astoria Bridge to the Hwy. 395 Bridge and in tributary locations listed below.

(2) Beginning June 16, a night fishing closure will be in effect except for anglers enrolled in the Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Program and actively fishing for pikeminnow in the mainstem Columbia River from the mouth to the Hwy. 395 Bridge (including the Buoy 10 fishery) and in tributary locations listed below.

(3) From Aug. 1 until further notice, retention of steelhead will be closed in the mainstem Columbia from the mouth upstream to The Dalles Dam (including the Buoy 10 fishery) and in tributary locations listed below.

Effective date: June 16, 2017, until further notice

Species affected: Steelhead

Locations:

Mainstem Columbia from the mouth upstream to the Hwy. 395 Bridge in Pasco;

Cowlitz River from the mouth upstream to the Lexington (Sparks) Road Bridge;

Lewis River from the mouth upstream to the mouth of the East Fork;

Wind River from the mouth upstream to 400 feet below Shipherd Falls;

White Salmon River from the mouth upstream to the county road bridge below the former powerhouse

Drano Lake

Other information: For additional information regarding steelhead regulations to be implemented in the mainstem Columbia River and tributaries after Aug. 1, see the 2017-2018 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Reason for action: According to the preseason forecast, approximately 130,700 summer-run steelhead will return to the Columbia River this year, the lowest number since 1980. Returns of wild "B run" fish destined primarily to the upper Snake River rivers are expected to be especially weak at just 1,100 fish. Restrictions are necessary to protect wild steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act and to ensure enough hatchery steelhead return to meet escapement goals.


Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

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.