Chinook salmon fishing rules change on Snake River

OLYMPIA — The spring Chinook salmon fishing season will open in early May with some restrictions along the Snake River, according to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Starting May 3, the area below Little Goose Dam from the Texas Rapids boat launch on the south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River to the fishing restriction boundary below the dam will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays only. This zone includes both shores and the rock and concrete area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and Little Goose Dam along the south shoreline of the facility.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays only, beginning May 4, Chinook fishing will be open below Ice Harbor Dam from the southbound Highway 12 bridge near Pasco to the fishing restriction boundary below Ice Harbor Dam, about 7 miles upstream.

The minimum size is 12 inches, and a daily limit of four hatchery (adipose clipped) Chinook may be kept, of which only one may be an adult. All other salmon must be released. Anglers must stop fishing for salmon when the adult limit has been retained. Barbless hooks are required and night closure is in effect. Anglers cannot remove any Chinook salmon or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily limit.

Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2021/2022 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, the release said.