Two days added to the recreational retention sturgeon season in the Columbia River estuary downstream of Wauna powerlines

June 3, 2022

June 3, 2022



Two days added to the recreational sturgeon retention season in the Columbia River estuary downstream of Wauna powerlines

Action: Opens white sturgeon retention seasons.

Effective dates: June 4, June 8, and June 11, 2022 only.

Species affected: White Sturgeon

Location: The Columbia River from the mouth at Buoy 10 upstream to the Wauna powerlines, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries.

Rules: White sturgeon from 44-inches minimum to 50-inches maximum fork length may be retained. (Fork length is measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the caudal fin (tail) with the fish laying on its side on a flat surface, with the tape measure/ruler positioned flat under the fish).

Sturgeon angling, including catch and release, closes at 2:00 pm on each open retention day.

Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is allowed on all non-retention days.

Daily white sturgeon limit: One fish

Annual white sturgeon limit: Two fish

Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

Reason for action: This population is managed under sustainable harvest guidelines with a limit of 1,920 retained sturgeon. The fishery was initially set for May 11 through June 4 on a Wednesday and Saturday rotation, plus Monday, May 30. Current catch estimates indicate that additional retention opportunity exists for this fishery.

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.