Hanford Reach Fall Chinook, Coho Fishery Extended 2 Days

THE FOLLOWING IS A WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RULE CHANGE NOTICE

Hanford Reach fall salmon fishery extended two days 

Action: Extends salmon fishing season.  

Effective date: Oct. 16 through Oct. 17, 2021.

A LOCAL ANGLER SHOWS OFF A FALL CHINOOK HE CAUGHT WHILE FISHING WITH JERRY HAN ON THE HANFORD REACH EARLIER THIS SEASON. (FISHING PHOTO CONTEST)

Species affected: Fall Chinook and coho salmon. 

Location: Columbia River; from the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing upstream to the boundary markers 650’ below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam. 

Rule: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.  Night closure in effect.  

Reason for action: Returns of Hanford Reach Upriver bright fall Chinook and upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet conservation objectives and to provide an additional weekend for sport angler harvest in the upper section of the Hanford Reach, which was originally scheduled to close at the end of the day Oct. 15. 

Additional information:  The lower section of the Hanford Reach, from Highway 395 Bridge to Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing will remain open through Oct. 31 as listed in the Washington Sport Fishing rules. For emergency rule updates, please visit https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/

Information contact:  Paul Hoffarth, District 4 fish biologist, 509-545-2284