White sturgeon retention to open for 1-day on portion of Columbia River

A limited sturgeon retention fishery will be allowed. White sturgeon from 44 inches minimum to 50 inches maximum fork length may be retained on Saturday, Oct. 12 only in the Mainstem Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam, and the Cowlitz River.

The legal-size population is large enough to allow for a conservative recreational retention fishery within the lower Columbia River.

Additional information: Fork length is measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the caudal fin (tail) with the fish laying on its side on a flat surface, with the tape measure/ruler positioned flat under the fish.

Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon will continue to be allowed on all non-retention days.

Daily white sturgeon limit: One fish;

Annual white sturgeon limit: Two fish;

Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

For more information contact the Region 5 office; 360-696-6211.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.