Hatchery, Wild Chinook Retention OK’d

Hatchery, wild summer chinook retention OK’d as of June 16 on Columbia River’s Hanford Reach  

Action:   Allow the retention of both hatchery and wild chinook.

Effective Date: June 16 – July 31, 2004.

Species affected:  Chinook

Location: Columbia River from the Hwy. 395 bridge at Pasco upstream to Priest Rapids Dam. 

Reason for action:  The “release wild chinook” restriction was inadvertently included in the “2004/2005 Sport Fishing Rules – Fishing in Washington” pamphlet.  The expected return of wild summer chinook above Priest Rapids Dam in 2004 is strong enough to allow some recreational harvest opportunity.  Upper Columbia River summer chinook are not listed under the Endangered Species Act.  

Other information:  Daily limit six salmon, no more than two adults.  Salmon minimum size is 12 inches. All sockeye salmon and steelhead must be released unharmed.  

Information contact:  Paul Hoffarth, District 4 Fish Biologist, (509) 545-2284 (Pasco) or John Easterbrooks, Regional Fishery Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima). 

Check the WDFW 2004/2005 “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet or the Fishing Section of the WDFW webpage at www.wdfw.wa.gov for details on fishing seasons and regulations.  Fishing regulations 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 (866) 880-5431.