Second March Keeper Sturgeon Day On Bonneville Pool Cancelled

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Fishery managers have cancelled the remaining sturgeon retention day previously planned for Wednesday, March 16 in Bonneville Pool (mainstem Columbia from Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam).

Catches on the March retention day earlier this week (March 9) were higher than expected and didn’t leave a large enough balance on the fish harvest guideline to allow for the additional day.

Catch-and-release sturgeon angling remain opens all year, except angling for sturgeon is prohibited May 1 through Aug. 31 within the designated sanctuary areas in each of the dam tailraces.

For the latest Columbia River regulations always visit the Recreation Report Fishing Report at https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/columbia-zone

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

Fishing Rule Change

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

March 11, 2022

Sturgeon retention closes on Bonneville Pool

Action:  Closes retention of sturgeon.

Effective date:  March 11, 2022.

Species affected:  White sturgeon.

Location:  From Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam, and all adjacent Washington tributaries.

Reason for action:  Creel data indicates that 621 out of the 675 fish guideline (92%) have been caught through Wednesday, March 9 and therefore, there is not enough fish remaining on the guideline to support the previously scheduled opening on March 16 in Bonneville Pool.

Additional information:  Bonneville Pool remains open for catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon on days not open to retention, as do many other stretches of the Columbia. Fishing for sturgeon at night is prohibited.

Information contact:  Region 5 office; 360-696-6211.