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

April 3, 2009

Retention fishery for sturgeon to close
between John Day Dam and McNary Dam

Action: The sport retention fishery for sturgeon between John Day Dam and McNary Dam on the Columbia River will close.

Effective date: 12:01 a.m., April 13, through Dec. 31, 2009.

Species affected: Sturgeon.

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam.

Reason for action: The closure date for retention of sturgeon was adopted because Washington and Oregon fish managers estimate that the harvest guideline of 165 fish will be caught by April 13.

Other information: The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam will remain open to sturgeon retention until the guideline is reached.

The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam will remain open to sturgeon retention through April 18. It will close to retention effective 12:01 a.m., April 19. The spawning sanctuaries from the Highway 395/I-82 bridge upstream to McNary Dam and from the Rufus grain elevator upstream to John Day Dam will be closed to all sturgeon fishing May 1 through July 31.

Information contact: Dennis Gilliland, (360) 906-6733.

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.