Priest Rapids Pool of the Columbia River will close to the retention of marked game fish
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Action: Temporarily close retention of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and northern pikeminnow with circular (hole) punches in their dorsal fin.
Effective date: April 1, through May 31, 2011
Species affected: Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and northern pikeminnow
Location: Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Wanapum Dam
Reason for action: Grant County Public Utility District, with assistance from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will implant acoustic tags into selected game fish species to learn more about movement patterns within the Priest Rapids Pool. Game fish must be anesthetized in order to implant acoustic tags. The Food and Drug Administration stipulates that anesthetized fish must have a 21-day withdrawal period before fish can be consumed.
Other information: Informational signs including pictures of game fish with hole punched dorsal fins will be displayed at all accustomed public access sites on the Priest Rapids Pool. If anglers harvest any of the acoustic tagged game fish after May 31 and would like to return the tags, please contact Keith Garner at Grant PUD (509) 754-5088, ext. 2654) or Rod O'Connor at Blue Leaf Environmental (509) 210-7424).
Information contact: Chad Jackson, District 5 Fish Biologist, (509) 754-4624, ext. 250.
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.