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Sockeye Limit Boosted On Hanford Reach, Upper Columbia

Sockeye Limit Boosted On Hanford Reach, Upper Columbia

By June 30, 2022 HEADLINES 0 Comments

THE FOLLOWING ARE RULE CHANGE NOTICES FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Hanford Reach salmon fishery update

Action: Increases daily sockeye limits.

Species affected: Salmon

YOU’LL NEED A GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY-STRENGTH FISH BONKER FOR ALL THE SOCKEYE HEADED TO THE MID- AND UPPER COLUMBIA, WHERE LIMITS HAVE BEEN INCREASED, THANKS TO A MUCH LARGER THAN EXPECTED RETURN. JEFF LINER CAUGHT THIS ONE LAST YEAR NEAR TRI-CITIES USING A SMILE BLADE AND SHRIMP. (JERRY HAN)

Locations, effective dates, and rules: Columbia River:

(1) From Columbia Point (1/3 mile downstream of I-182 Bridge at Richland) upstream to I-182 Bridge at Richland:

July 1 through July 15: Salmon: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults may be retained, including no more than 2 hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook.

This area is closed to angling from a floating device or by any method except hand-cast lines from the west shore (Richland side of the river).

(2) From I-182 Bridge at Richland upstream to boundary markers 650′ below the fish ladder Priest Rapids Dam:

July 1 through Aug. 15: Salmon: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults may be retained, including no more than 2 hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook.

Reason for action: The U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the sockeye salmon run from 198,000 pre-season to approximately 426,000. At this updated run size there are additional Sockeye available for the mainstem Columbia River. The TAC is comprised of representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, NOAA, and the Treaty Tribes and are responsible for developing pre-season and in-season run forecast that salmon season are based on.

Additional information: The summer Chinook and sockeye runs will be closely monitored and updated by TAC weekly. Season could change or close quickly if necessary.

Two-pole fishing is allowed with valid a two-pole endorsement in the mainstem Columbia River for the seasons described above. Also, the use of barbed hooks is permitted and a Night Closure is in effect for salmon fishing.

To be informed of fishery rule changes as they are announced, anglers are encouraged to sign up for WDFW rule update emails at https: //wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

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Upper Columbia River salmon fishery update

Action: Increases daily sockeye limits.

Species affected: Salmon

Locations, effective dates, and rules: Columbia River:

(1) From Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam:

July 1 through Aug. 31: Salmon: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

(2) From Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam:

July 1 through Oct. 15: Salmon: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

(3) From Wells Dam to Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster:

July 16 through Sept. 30: Salmon: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

(4) From Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side):

July 1 through Oct. 15: Salmon: Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

Reason for action: The U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the sockeye salmon run from 198,000 pre-season to approximately 426,000. At this updated run size there are additional Sockeye available for the mainstem Columbia River. The TAC is comprised of representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, NOAA, and the Treaty Tribes and are responsible for developing pre-season and in-season run forecast that salmon season are based on.

Additional information:

1) The summer Chinook and sockeye runs will be closely monitored and updated by TAC weekly. Season could change or close quickly if necessary.

2) Anglers are reminded that the Colville Confederated Tribes will be collecting broodstock and fish for ceremonial and subsistence. Please be respectful of this activity.

3) Fishing closures around dams remain in effect and as described in the 2022-2023 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet (http: //www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/).

4) Two-pole fishing is allowed with valid a two-pole endorsement in the mainstem Columbia River for the seasons described above.

5) Barbed hooks allowed.

To be informed of fishery rule changes as they are announced, anglers are encouraged to sign up for WDFW rule update emails at https: //wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact: Region 2 Office (Ephrata): (509) 754-4624 or email TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov

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Andy Walgamott