Release of sport-caught sturgeon between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Action: The sport fishery for white sturgeon between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River will close to retention.
Effective date: 12:01 a.m., Feb. 19 through Dec. 31, 2011.
Species affected: White sturgeon
Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam.
Reason for action: The closure date for retention of sturgeon was adopted because Washington and Oregon fish managers estimate that the harvest guideline of 2,000 fish will be reached on Feb. 18, 2011.
Other information: Catch and release of sturgeon will still be allowed between Bonneville and The Dalles dams. The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between The Dalles Dam and McNary Dam remain open to sturgeon retention until respective harvest guidelines for each reservoir are reached. The spawning sanctuaries from the Highway 395/I-82 bridge upstream to McNary Dam and from the Rufus grain elevator upstream to John Day Dam will be closed to all sturgeon fishing May 1 through July 31.
Information contact: Dennis Gilliland, (360) 906-6733.
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.