SALEM, Ore.—Many of the 1.75 million juvenile fish evacuated from Cascade Hatchery in Cascade Locks after last year’s Eagle Creek Fire in the Gorge are now on their way from the Pacific Northwest’s rivers to the Columbia River and eventually, the Pacific Ocean. The evacuation was due to the threat of debris flow when storms passed …
OLYMPIA – Razor clam diggers can return to various ocean beaches for a two-day opening beginning March 16. State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. “Last weekend, we had a great turnout …
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will invite public comments on 2018-2020 hunting season proposals, Columbia River fisheries policy, and other issues during a public meeting March 15-17 in Wenatchee. The commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), will convene in …
OLYMPIA – Projected poor returns of several salmon stocks are expected to limit fishing opportunities in Washington’s waters this year, state salmon managers announced today. Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, and chum salmon – developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian tribes – were released during a public …
PORTLAND – Salmon managers from Washington and Oregon have approved sportfishing seasons for spring chinook salmon on the Columbia River, setting the stage for the first major salmon fishery of the year. Anglers are already catching a few spring chinook in the lower Columbia below the Interstate 5 bridge, but the bulk of the …
CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Recreational sturgeon seasons in Bonneville and John Day pools will close in February under rules announced today by fishery managers from Oregon and Washington. The states decided to close recreational white sturgeon retention effective Sunday, Feb. 4 in Bonneville Pool and effective Monday, Feb. 12in John Day Pool. Columbia River recreational sturgeon retention seasons …
Photo courtesy of Dave’s Guide Service Action: WDFW is rescinding emergency rule changes on the Grande Ronde, Walla Walla, and Touchet rivers that limited steelhead retention to two hatchery fish. Beginning Feb. 1, the daily limit for hatchery steelhead in those rivers will increase to three fish, as listed in the 2017/2018 Washington Sport Fishing Rules …
Actions and locations: Tucannon River, downstream of the Tucannon Hatchery Bridge Extend the fishery for gamefish, including steelhead, through April 15. The fishery previously was scheduled to close Feb. 28. Increase the daily limit on hatchery steelhead to three (from two) fish. Mandatory hatchery steelhead retention is required. Barbless hooks are required while fishing for steelhead and …
WDFW Fishing Rule Change Action: The sport clam season will be extended on this public beach based on results from population, harvest and effort assessments. Effective dates: Immediately through April 30, 2018. Species affected: All clams. Location: Point Whitney Tidelands, located in Jefferson County on the west side of Hood Canal near Brinnon. Reason for action: Surveys at Point …
OLYMPIA – State investigators have determined that an excessive buildup of mussels and other marine organisms on nets – caused by Cooke Aquaculture’s failure to properly clean them – led to the August 19 collapse of the company’s net pen at Cypress Island. An investigative report – authored by the departments of Natural Resources (DNR), Ecology, …
