Idaho Fish Report

Action: Allows sockeye retention and reduces steelhead daily limit in portion of Columbia River during the summer season.

Effective dates: June 16 through June 30, 2020.

Species affected: Salmon and steelhead.

Locations: Megler/Astoria Bridge upstream to Hwy. 395 Bridge at Pasco, Washington and I-182 Bridge upstream to Priest Rapids Dam.

Reason for action: Sockeye runs are projected to be higher than in recent years, while steelhead and summer Chinook runs are projected to be lower than in recent years. This action is consistent with co-manager agreements reached in April during the North of Falcon season-setting process.

Salmon and hatchery steelhead rules by location:

Megler/Astoria Bridge upstream to Hwy. 395 Bridge in Pasco: Daily limit is 2. Up to 2 salmon or 1 salmon and 1 hatchery steelhead may be retained. (No more than 1 steelhead may be retained.)  Release all salmon other than sockeye. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches. Release wild steelhead.

Hwy. 395 Bridge to I-182 Bridge will be closed to fishing for sockeye and steelhead.

I-182 Bridge upstream to Priest Rapids Dam: Daily limit is 2 sockeye. Release all other salmon and all steelhead. Salmon minimum size: 12 inches.

Additional information: Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon and steelhead downstream of the OR/WA state line.

Sockeye and steelhead retention rules will continue through July 31, 2020 and be reflected in the 2020-21 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet beginning July 1, 2020.

Information contact: Region 5, 360-696-6211; Region 3, 509-575-2740.