WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov June 24, 2011
Columbia River estuary sturgeon fishery extended
Action: Modify the ongoing recreational white sturgeon fishery downstream of Wauna powerlines to allow retention through Sunday July 31, 2011 by adding the following periods to the existing retention season:
Effective Dates:
June 27 - 30, 2011 (retention allowed daily)
July 1 - 31, 2011 (retention allowed 7 days per week)
Location: Columbia River and its tributaries from the mouth of the Columbia upstream to the Wauna power lines near Cathlamet, Wash.
Species affected: White sturgeon.
Reason for action: The estuary sturgeon fishery was originally scheduled to close June 27 and then re-open for four more days of fishing from July 1 through July 4. Angling effort and catch have been less than expected, with catch of white sturgeon projected to total 2,440 fish by the end of the previously adopted season, or 36 percent of the 6,800 fish harvest guideline for this area, leaving a balance of 4,360 fish.
Other information: Fishery managers scheduled a formal check-in for July 13 to review catch data to confirm that the fishery is tracking within expectations. Season modifications may be necessary if catch is greater than expected. The retention fishery is not expected to continue beyond July 31.
The daily catch limit is one white sturgeon, with a fork-length measurement for this area of 41 inches to 54 inches. All green sturgeon must be released.
