Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Effective date: April 13 through June 15, 2015.

Species affected: Spring chinook, steelhead and shad.

Action #1: Allows only hand-casted lines to be used.

Area: Mainstem Columbia River on the Washington shore from Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) downstream to Bonneville Dam

Restrictions: Washington shore only: When the mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island powerlines (located approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) downstream to Bonneville Dam is open to fishing from the Washington bank for hatchery spring chinook, only hand-casted lines may be used. It is unlawful to use a floating device to set lines for salmon and steelhead during this timeframe.

Reason for action: Based on recent coded-wire tag and genetic analysis, the majority of the fish caught have been destined to areas other than local tributaries.

Action #2: Increase allowed in salmonid possession limit upstream of The Dalles Dam.

Area: Mainstem Columbia River from The Dalles Dam upstream to the Washington/ Oregon state line.

Restrictions: When the mainstem Columbia River from the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam) upstream to the Washington/Oregon border is open for hatchery spring chinook retention in the area upstream of The Dalles Dam the possession limit will include an additional 2 daily limits of salmon in fresh form (up to four adult salmon). Anglers aboard a boat may still only possess one daily limit of salmon in fresh form.

Reason for action: Permanent possession limits allow two daily limits in fresh form, which allows for only 2 fish, given the 1-fish daily bag limit. In an effort to promote this fishery as a destination fishery, this rule will allow anglers to possess a reasonable amount of fish during their stay.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.