Columbia River spring Chinook fishery above Bonneville Dam to close April 30

OLYMPIA – With the fishery expected to have already met its allowable catch, recreational spring Chinook fishing on the Columbia River mainstem from Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington border will close beginning Tuesday, April 30, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon have announced.

While originally scheduled to run through May 2, fishery managers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife determined that catches of upriver spring Chinook have already been met for the Columbia River section that runs from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Washington/Oregon border.

“While it’s disappointing to close earlier than anticipated, our foremost priority is to responsibly manage the upriver spring Chinook fishery,” said Ryan Lothrop, Columbia River Fishery Manager with WDFW. “Implementing this necessary measure ensures we remain within our harvest constraints and are able to consider additional fisheries in the future.”

The U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee, which forecasts and monitors salmon and steelhead returns to the Columbia River, has not yet provided a run-size update on the upriver spring Chinook run. That update typically occurs in mid-May. 

Fishery managers will continue to monitor the run and assess the potential for additional fishing opportunities. Spring Chinook fishing remains open in Drano Lake, Wind River, and several Columbia River tributaries below Bonneville Dam. 

Anglers should review the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for the waters they plan to fish, as well as check for any emergency rule changes before heading out.

To receive regulation updates and other information via email, subscribe to the Columbia River fishery notices mailing list.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.