Columbia River spring Chinook season update

April 29, 2024

Action:  Closes spring Chinook and steelhead fisheries.

Species affected:  Spring Chinook, steelhead.

Location: Columbia River, from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Oregon and Washington border

Effective Date:  April 30 through May 2, 2024

Reason for action:  Catch estimates for the mainstem spring Chinook fishery from Bonneville Dam to the OR/WA state line indicate the pre-update allowable catch for upriver spring Chinook has been met. Upriver spring Chinook are the surrogate for ESA-listed spring Chinook above Bonneville Dam. This joint state action is necessary to limit additional upriver spring Chinook catches.

Staff will continue to monitor the run and assess catch information to determine if the fishery can re-open at a later date. The US vs. OR Technical Advisory Committee has not yet provided a run size update on the upriver spring Chinook run, which typically occurs in mid-May.

Additional information:  All other permanent regulations apply. 

Information contact:  Region 5: (360) 696-6211

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions 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 toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.