2009 Sturgeon sport season set - Rule Change

WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov

December 24, 2008

2009 Sturgeon sport season set
Columbia River above Wauna

Action: Allow retention of white sturgeon only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from January 1 through July 31 and from October 1 through December 31. Sturgeon may be caught and released, but not retained, Sundays through Wednesdays and during August and September.

Only white sturgeon between 38-inches fork length and 54-inches fork length may be retained per permanent rule.

Effective date: Jan. 1 through Jul. 31 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2009

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from the Wauna powerlines near Cathlamet upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Species affected: White sturgeon

Reason for action: The regulation is consistent with Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission guidance for 2009 Columbia River sturgeon management. The dates for retention of white sturgeon are based on the 2009 seasons adopted at the joint state hearing on December 18, 2008. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission had previously adopted the 38-inch fork length minimum size limit and the 54-inch fork length maximum size limit on February 1, 2008, for implementation January 1, 2009.

Other information: Catch and release fishing is allowed seven days per week except the area from Bonneville Dam downstream to Navigation Marker 85 is closed to all fishing for sturgeon from May 1-July 31.

White sturgeon retention on the Columbia River and tributaries below the Wauna powerlines reopens to retention seven days per week from January 1 through April 30 per permanent regulation. The new 38-inch to 54-inch fork length size limits also apply to this area. The area below Wauna is scheduled to close to retention May 1 through May 8, then reopen to retention seven days per week for the periods May 9 through June 24 and July 2-5. The minimum size limit for this area is scheduled to switch to 41-inches fork length May 9. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.


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