Action: Opens additional section of the Snake River for harvest of fall Chinook.

Effective date: Sept. 1, 2020 through Oct. 31, 2020.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

Location: From the mouth of the Snake River (Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25) to Lower Granite Dam.

Reason for action: The 2020 Columbia River forecasted return of upriver bright adults is 233,400, with 18,150 of these fish expected to return to the Snake River. This forecast is large enough to allow for harvest in the Snake River.  

Rules: The fishery is open seven days per week. Daily limit of three hatchery adult Chinook and no limit on Chinook jacks (clipped or unclipped). Release all other salmon. All salmon that are not kept as part of the daily limit cannot be removed from the water and must be immediately released unharmed. Washington licensed anglers must cease fishing for salmon once they have retained their adult daily limit. Barbless hooks required. 

Additional information: Anglers should be sure to identify their catch as returning coho salmon and steelhead are also in the Snake River during this fishery. 

Anglers should continue to check emergency regulations for new and changing seasons. In addition, anglers are reminded to refer to the 2020-21 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations for other rules and regulations. 

Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist, 509-382-1005