Idaho Fish Report

Action: Reduces the adult salmon daily limit to 1 fish, on days and in locations open for salmon retention in the Klickitat River.

Location and Effective date: 

• From the mouth (Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge) to Fisher Hill Bridge: effective April 1, 2020 until further notice.

• From 400 feet upstream of #5 fishway to boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon Hatchery: effective May 23, 2020 until further notice.

Species affected: Salmon

Reason for action: An estimated 1,800 adult spring Chinook are forecast to return to the Klickitat River in 2020. Managers need to reduce the adult salmon daily limit to ensure that hatchery Chinook broodstock goals are achieved. Reducing the adult salmon daily limit will provide continued opportunity for anglers to harvest spring Chinook and help ensure future hatchery returns.

Additional information: In the lower Klickitat River, beginning April 1 through May 22, 2020, the combined salmon and hatchery steelhead daily limit is 2 fish, of which no more than 1 may be an adult salmon; release wild Chinook. Anglers are reminded to check the Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other areas and dates when the Klickitat River is open for salmon retention. WDFW will continue to monitor the spring Chinook return with co-managers to determine if additional fishery modification is needed.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, district fish biologist, 360-906-6746.