Idaho Fish Report

Action: Opens coho retention from Priest Rapids Dam to Wells Dam.

Species affected: Salmon.

Locations, effective dates, and rules:  

Columbia River:

1. From Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam:
   Sept. 22 through Oct. 15:  Salmon:Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult Chinook and no more than 2 coho.

2. From Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam:
   Sept. 22 through Oct. 15:  Salmon:  Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 2 coho. Release wild adult Chinook.

3. From Wells Dam to Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster:
   Immediately, through Sept. 30:  Salmon:  Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

4. From Hwy. 173 Bridge at Brewster to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek (Douglas County side):
   Immediately, through Oct. 15:  Salmon:  Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release wild adult Chinook and coho.

Reason for action:  Returns of upper Columbia River-bound coho salmon are sufficient to meet conservation objectives and to provide for sport angler harvest between Priest Rapids Dam and Wells Dam.

Additional information: 

1. Fishing closures around dams remain in effect and as described in the 2022-2023 Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet (https://www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/).
2. Two-pole fishing is allowed with valid a two-pole endorsement in the mainstem Columbia River for the seasons described above.
3. Barbed hooks allowed.

Anglers are reminded that the Colville Confederated Tribes will be collecting broodstock and fish for ceremonial and subsistence. Please be respectful of this activity.

WDFW will be monitoring these fisheries closely and may close the season early if necessary due to excessive incidental catch-and-release impacts to ESA-listed summer steelhead.

Anglers are advised to check WDFW's website for fishery rule change updates at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules.  Also, you can receive all in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.

Information contact:  Region 2 Office (Ephrata): 509-754-4624 or email TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov .