Fishermen, get ready to cast your lines in the lower Columbia River this summer, as Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife has laid out new regulations for salmon and steelhead fishing. Starting June 16, anglers will be able to reel in their catch following specific guidelines that aim to protect wild species while allowing the harvest of hatchery fish, according to information obtained from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Under the new rules, which will be effective through July 31, the daily limit is set at six fish, with a maximum of two adults, and among these, only one can be a steelhead; this creates an opportunity for sport fishers to enjoy the season while still maintaining ecological balance however, they must release all wild steelhead and can only retain hatchery Chinook and sockeye salmon, reinforcing the state's conservation efforts. Specific size and species guidelines will fluctuate through the summer months, focusing on preserving the delicate life cycle of the river's native fish populations.
Directly downstream of the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco, barbless hooks are mandatory to minimize harm to the fish, reflecting an ever-increasing effort by wildlife authorities to promote sustainable fishing practices. Anglers must also adhere to the stipulation that sockeye count as adult fish toward their daily catch limit, ensuring proper management of these fish stocks. The section of river from the Dalles Dam upstream to a boundary line near the Pasco bridge will remain closed for salmon and steelhead fishing until further notice, safeguarding those areas most critical to the survival of these species.
The modifications in place for the Columbia River fishing season were established during the 2024 North of Falcon process, an event where stakeholders come together to set the season’s guidelines, changes consistent with co-manager agreements; this includes tribes, states, and federal agencies working collaboratively to balance recreational opportunities with conservation goals and the law requires that these rules are adhered to along the entire stretch of river mentioned, including all year-round closure areas listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
