2011 sport sturgeon retention in the Lower Columbia River
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Action:
(1) Below Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) downstream to the mouth.
May 1-May 13 Sturgeon retention prohibited.
May 14-Jun 26 White sturgeon retention allowed 7 days per week, 41-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum. size.
Jun 27-Jun 30 Sturgeon retention prohibited.
Jul 1-Jul 4 White sturgeon retention allowed 7 days per week, 41-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size.
Jul 5-Dec 31 Sturgeon retention prohibited.
(2) Above Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam:
Jan 1-Jul 31 White sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 38-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size. Release sturgeon on other days.
Aug 1-Oct 7 Sturgeon retention not allowed.
Oct 8-Dec 31 White sturgeon retention allowed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, 38 inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum size. Release sturgeon on other days.
Species affected: White sturgeon
Reason for action: The regulation is consistent with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission's guidance for 2011 lower Columbia River sturgeon management.The dates for retention of white sturgeon are based on actions adopted at the joint Washington-Oregon public hearing on Feb. 8, 2011.
Other information: Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is allowed 7 days per week, except the area from Bonneville Dam downstream to the Navigation Marker 82-Skamania Island line is closed to all fishing for sturgeon from May 1-Aug. 31. All angling is prohibited from Jan. 1 through Apr. 30, 2011 from a line between the upstream end of Sand Island, located east of Rooster Rock State Park, to a marker on the Oregon shore, downstream to a line between the lower end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shore. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.
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 fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.