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Region 5 Fishing
Hotline
The following is a brief summary of emergency and permanent sport fishing regulations for the lower mainstem Columbia River and its tributaries plus upcoming razor clam seasons.
The information contained in this hotline message supercedes the permanent sport fishing regulations, which can be found in the Fishing in Washington pamphlet.
Recorded Thursday, November 12, 2009
RAZOR CLAMS
Clam diggers got the go-ahead to proceed with the third razor-clam dig of the fall season starting Saturday, November 14th. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the digs at the four beaches after a series of marine toxin tests confirmed the clams were safe to eat. No digging will be allowed before noon on any beach.
Confirmed dates and evening low tides in November are:
- Saturday, Nov. 14 (4:34 p.m. -0.3 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
- Sunday, Nov. 15 (5:21 p.m. -0.7 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
- Monday, Nov. 16 (6:05 p.m. -0.9 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 (6:47 p.m. -0.8 ft.) Twin Harbors
Anti-Snagging Rule Modified:
Effective immediately until further notice:
Except when fishing with a buoyant lure (with no weights added to the line or lure), or trolling from a floating device, terminal fishing gear is restricted to a lure or bait with one single point hook. Only single point hooks measuring not more than 3/4 inch from point to shank may be used, and all hooks must be attached to or below the lure or bait. Weights may not be attached below or less than 12 inches above the lure or bait.
A “buoyant lure” is a lure that floats on the surface of freshwater when no additional weight is applied to the line or lure, and when not being retrieved by a line.
“Trolling” means fishing from a vessel that is underway and under power.
SALMON/STEELHEAD
Lower Columbia River from the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to a line projected from the Warrior Rock Lighthouse through Red Buoy #4 to the orange marker atop the dolphin on the lower end of Bachelor Island - The daily limit is 6 fish, up to 3 may be adults of which no more than two may be hatchery steelhead. Release all salmon other than hatchery coho. Salmon minimum size is 12 inches.
Lower Columbia River from a line projected from the Warrior Rock Lighthouse upstream to Bonneville Dam - The daily limit is 6 fish, up to 3 may be adults of which no more than 2 may be hatchery steelhead. Only one adult Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and hatchery coho. Salmon minimum size is 12 inches.
Also under permanent rules, Beacon Rock to Bonneville Dam will close to fishing for salmon beginning November 1.
Bonneville Dam upstream to the Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco - The daily limit is 6 fish, up to 3 may be adults. No more than 2 may be hatchery steelhead or Chinook or one of each. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho. Release wild coho from Bonneville Dam to the Hood River Bridge. Salmon minimum size is 12 inches.
Cowlitz River from Mill Creek to Blue Creek - Adult Chinook but not hatchery jacks must be released.
All Chinook must be released on Lewis River; other restrictions are in effect - All Chinook must be released on the Lewis River including North Fork. In addition, fishing from a floating device is prohibited from Johnson Creek to Colvin Creek. Also, Colvin Creek upstream to Merwin Dam is closed to all fishing.
TROUT
Swift Reservoir – Game fish and salmon season has been extended through November.
STURGEON
Lower Columbia from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam – White sturgeon may be retained Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only through the end of the year.
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