Salmon, steelhead season extended on Columbia River

OLYMPIA — The recreational fishing season for salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River has been extended, including the section of river downstream from the Highway 395 bridge in Pasco. 

Fishing for hatchery Chinook and sockeye will be allowed from June 16 to 30, and under slightly different rules from July 1 to 31, on the Columbia from the bridge to the Washington-Oregon border. 

A press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said there were sufficient allocations of fish to allow an extended season. From June 16 to 30 anglers can keep up to six salmon and steelhead, of which two can be adults. One adult steelhead can be retained. All salmon other than hatchery Chinook and sockeye must be released, and anglers must release all wild steelhead. Fish must be at least 12 inches to be retained. 

The same rules apply for July, except that all Chinook except hatchery jacks must be released. 

Anglers must use barbless hooks.