White sturgeon retention to open for 1 day on portion of Columbia River

October 8, 2019

Action: Allows a limited sturgeon retention fishery. White sturgeon from 44 inches minimum to 50 inches maximum fork length may be retained.

Effective dates: Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, only.

Species affected: White sturgeon.

Locations: Mainstem Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam, and the Cowlitz River.

Reason for action: The legal-size population is large enough to allow for a conservative recreational retention fishery within the lower Columbia River.

Additional information: 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.

Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon will continue to be allowed on all non-retention days.

Daily white sturgeon limit: One fish

Annual white sturgeon limit: Two fish

Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

Information contact: Region 5 office; 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.