Freshwater

Attention Sturgeon Anglers

Effective January 1, 2009
A new method of measuring sturgeon
for retention will take effect statewide

Sturgeon will be measured from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (fork length).
The new method applies ONLY TO STURGEON, and is illustrated below:

Measured from tip of snout to fork of tail with the fish on it’s side,
on a flat surface and the tail in a natural position.

Statewide legal size limits have been adjusted to reflect the new measurement technique as follows (the new slots are simple conversions of the old slots to account for the different technique, but the size of fish that can be kept will remain the same):

Ocean, bays and estuaries, coastal tributaries, and the Columbia River and tributaries downstream of The Dalles Dam:

• 38 to 54 inches FORK LENGTH

Columbia River and tributary fisheries below the Wauna powerlines is expected to change May 9, 2009 to:

• 41 to 54 inches FORK LENGTH
  (Check the 2009-2010 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet as the season approaches).

Columbia River and tributaries upstream of The Dalles Dam to below Priest Rapids Dam and the Snake River and tributaries below Lower Granite Dam:

• 43 to 54 inches FORK LENGTH

Why was this change needed?
Research has shown that fork length is a more precise method of measuring sturgeon. This method reduces error due to tail fin injuries and differences in length and position of the lobes of the tail fin.

Be sure that your sturgeon is of legal length under this NEW measurement technique!!!