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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. Also following are new license fees for 2010. Complete information contained in this hotline message can be found in the Fishing in Washington pamphlet or on the department’s web site. Recorded Wednesday, February 3, 2010 RAZOR CLAMS WDFW has tentatively scheduled an evening razor clam dig at several ocean beaches in late February, pending the results of marine toxin tests. Shellfish managers are optimistic that elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) – which disqualified Long Beach from a dig in late January – will have dissipated by then. However, it’s important that diggers wait for a final announcement on the opening before they hit the beach. Potential days in February for specific beaches along with the evening low tides are: Friday, Feb. 26, (4:49 p.m., -0.7) Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks Saturday, Feb. 27, (5:34 p.m., -0.9) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch Sunday, Feb. 28, (6:16 p.m., -0.8) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch SALMON/STEELHEAD New Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Starting April 1, 2010, all anglers 15 or older fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries must have an endorsement in addition to their fishing license. All other seasons and limits apply. The endorsement is good for the entire license year, costs $8.75, and can be purchased at a licensed dealer or online. 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. Under permanent rules, wild Chinook must be released on several rivers including the mainstem Columbia from Buoy 10 upstream to the I-5 Bridge, Cowlitz (including Cispus), Deep, Kalama, Lewis (including North Fork) rivers plus Lake Scanewa (Cowlitz Falls Reservoir). A Compact/Joint State Hearing is tentatively scheduled for February 18 to consider the 2010 mainstem Columbia recreational spring salmon seasons. STURGEON Until further notice, recreational sturgeon fisheries will continue as scheduled under permanent regulations. The Compact may consider modifications to the March-December 2010 mainstem Columbia sturgeon recreational fisheries at the February 18 hearing when additional Commission guidance is available. Lower Columbia mainstem and its tributaries from the Buoy 10 to the Wauna powerlines – Until further notice, white sturgeon may be retained daily. Daily limit 1. Minimum size is 38” fork length and maximum size is 54” fork length. Lower Columbia mainstem and its tributaries from the Wauna powerlines to Bonneville Dam – Until further notice, remains open for white sturgeon retention Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. Daily limit 1. Minimum size is 38” fork length and maximum size is 54” fork length. Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam – Sturgeon may be retained daily until individual pool guidelines are met. In Bonneville Pool the daily limit is 1 fish, minimum size 38” fork length and maximum 54” fork length. From The Dalles Dam to McNary Dam, the daily limit is 1 fish, minimum size 43” fork length and maximum size 54” fork length. SMELT Mainstem Columbia from the mouth to Bonneville Dam – Through March 31, open 7 days/week, 24-hours /day. Daily limit 10 pounds per person. Cowlitz River – Open only Saturdays Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Daily and possession limit 10 pounds per person. All other Washington Columbia River tributaries – Remain closed.

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