As a result of harvests in March and early April that were lower than anticipated, fishery management in the states of Washington and Oregon announced on Tuesday(April 4, 2023) that they would be extending the period during which the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam would be open to recreational fishing for spring Chinook salmon by four more days.
The portion of the river between Buoy 10 and the Bonneville Dam, which was at one time scheduled to close to salmon fishing on April 7, will now stay open until April 11.
Ryan Lothrop, manager of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Columbia River fisheries, stated, βConditions so far this spring have been less than ideal for fishing.β βContinued cold weather and water has kept catch rates low, so we feel comfortable offering this extended spring fishing opportunity.β
These are the most recent happenings at Oregon State:
- Top 5 Oregon Spring Fishing Hotspots, According To ODFW.
- This Video Acts as a Reminder Since It Has a Hidden Animal. Do You See It?
The management will keep an eye on the quantity of spring Chinook that return and are captured, and they will make any appropriate modifications as required.
The annual spring Chinook fishing season started on April 1 and will continue through May 6 from Bonneville upstream to the boundary between Oregon and Washington.
The emergency rule modification is posted on WDFW’s website, along with complete data and rules for the fishery. Washington’s sport fishing rules booklet for 2022β2023 contains long-term requirements.
