Chinook retention will close on the mainstem from Buoy 10 near the mouth of the river to the Highway 395 bridge in Pasco beginning Oct. 8
OLYMPIA – With fewer upriver bright fall Chinook salmon now expected to return to the Columbia River, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon agreed Wednesday to close Chinook retention on the lower and middle Columbia River mainstem effective Saturday (Oct. 8).
The U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee, which forecasts and monitors salmon and steelhead returns to the Columbia River, met Monday and reduced the 2022 forecast for upriver bright fall Chinook returning to the Columbia. Fishery managers previously estimated that 323,000 upriver brights would return to the mouth of the river in 2022, but based on returns and catch data so far, that forecast was downgraded Monday to 267,000 fish.
Chinook retention will close on the mainstem from Buoy 10 near the mouth of the river to the Highway 395 bridge in Pasco beginning Oct. 8. Recreational coho fishing remains open. See additional details at the emergency fishing rules page.
Managers also agreed to rescind two Chinook-directed commercial fishery openers next week.
“Given this significant reduction in expected returns, we had to move quickly to ensure we didn’t exceed our allowable harvest rates on these Chinook,” said Ryan Lothrop, Columbia River fisheries manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Closing Chinook-directed fisheries, including Chinook retention in sport fisheries, will reduce those impacts while still allowing fishing for coho fishing in light of the reduced forecast.”
Anglers should be sure to check the 2022-23 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet to see permanent regulations for the section of river where they hope to fish, as well as WDFW’s emergency rules webpage for updates to fisheries statewide.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
Also read:
- High school basketball: Two area teams steal seeds; two more save their seasons
Four Southwest Washington basketball teams secured major wins in their state tournaments, with Camas and Seton Catholic advancing to the quarterfinals, while Woodland and Columbia River dominated in elimination games. - High school basketball: Clark County teams struggle in Friday’s state tournament openers
Clark County high school basketball teams struggled in Friday’s state tournament openers, with a 0-6 record. Nine teams take the court Saturday. - State basketball: No games in Clark County this year for Opening RoundNo Clark County teams will play at home for the state basketball opening round, but 16 local teams are heading to state competition.
- Mat Classic: Prairie’s Faith Tarrant grateful for mom’s advice en route to her fourth state championshipFaith Tarrant wins her fourth state title at Mat Classic, leading a dominant showing for Clark County wrestlers at the Tacoma Dome.
- High school state competitions: Ridgefield gymnast wins state titleLexi Voukidis of Ridgefield claimed the Class 3A/2A uneven bars title, leading strong performances from Clark County athletes at state gymnastics and swimming.
