Upper Columbia River salmon fishery update

September 29, 2023

Action: Opens coho retention.

Species affected: Salmon.

Effective dates: Oct. 1 through Oct. 15.

Locations and salmon rules:

  • Upper Columbia River: From Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam. Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6), including no more than two (2) adult Chinook and no more than two (2) coho.
  • Upper Columbia River: From Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam. Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6), including no more than two (2) adult hatchery Chinook and no more than two (2) coho. Release wild adult Chinook.
  • Upper Columbia River: From Highway 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side). Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six (6), including no more than two (2) adult hatchery Chinook and no more than four (4) sockeye. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

Reason for action: Returns of upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet conservation objectives and to provide for sport angler harvest between Priest Rapids Dam and Wells Dam.

Additional information: 

  • Fishing closures around dams remain in effect and as described in the 2023/24 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet.
  • Two-pole fishing is allowed with a valid two-pole endorsement in the mainstem Columbia River for the seasons described above.
  • Barbed hooks and bait allowed.

Anglers are reminded that the Colville Confederated Tribes will be collecting broodstock and fish for ceremonial and subsistence. Please be respectful of this activity.

WDFW will be monitoring these fisheries closely and may close the season early if necessary due to excessive incidental catch-and-release impacts to ESA-listed summer steelhead.

Please check WDFW's website for Fishing Rule Change updates before fishing. You can receive all in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates.

Information contact: Ephrata Regional office, 509-754-4624 or email TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov.

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.