[ODFW-News] Columbia River estuary below Wauna closes to sturgeon retention

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
	

For Immediate Release	Friday, June 20, 2003

Columbia River Estuary Below Wauna Closes to Sturgeon Retention

PORTLAND - The Columbia River sturgeon sport fishery from the mouth upstream to the Wauna Powerlines closes to retention effective 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 28. Catch and release fishing may continue. 

In recent weeks, excellent catch rates in combination with record high effort have resulted in white sturgeon catches that exceeded pre-season expectations. Through June 19, fishery managers reported the total catch was 13,300 sturgeon. Based on current catch and fishing effort rates, biologists estimate that the 18,000 fish guideline will be exceeded after fishing Friday, June 27. 

Columbia River sturgeon angling is managed on a quota basis for each section of the river. 

The following summarizes the current sturgeon angling rules in the Columbia: 

-BUOY 10 UPSTREAM TO WAUNA POWERLINES: This section of the Columbia River, including Youngs Bay, will close to the retention of sturgeon after the Friday, June 27 fishing day. The daily limit is one sturgeon 42-60 inches. Catch and release angling may continue during the retention closure. This section of the river reopens to retention Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003.

-WAUNA POWERLINES UPSTREAM TO BONNEVILLE DAM: The retention of sturgeon in this section of the Columbia River, including the Willamette River below Willamette Falls and the Multnomah Channel, is prohibited seven days per week March 24-June 30, 2003. Catch and release angling may continue during the retention closure. The retention season opens July 1. The daily limit is one sturgeon 42-60 inches. This reach of the river is managed for a 12,000 fish quota. In addition, angling from a floating device is prohibited from Beacon Rock upstream to Bonneville Dam during May 1 through July 15, 2003.

BONNEVILLE DAM UPSTREAM TO THE DALLES DAM INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES (BONNEVILLE POOL): The retention of sturgeon in Bonneville Pool currently is allowed. This river section is managed for a 1,700 fish quota. The daily limit is one sturgeon 42-60 inches. 

THE DALLES DAM UPSTREAM TO JOHN DAY DAM: The retention of sturgeon is prohibited June 21, 2003, through the remainder of the year because the 400-fish quota has been reached. Catch and release angling may continue during the retention closure.

JOHN DAY DAM UPSTREAM TO MCNARY DAM, INCLUDING TRIBUTARIES (JOHN DAY POOL): The retention of sturgeon in John Day Pool currently is allowed. The quota for this area is 165 fish. The daily limit is one sturgeon 48-60 inches. 

Please consult the 2003 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet for further information for the Columbia River Zone.


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