Two-day sturgeon retention window opens in The Dalles Pool

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a limited two-day opening for white sturgeon retention in the Columbia River stretch between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam, including all adjacent Washington tributaries. This brief opening is scheduled for Feb. 24 and Feb. 28, with the season extending immediately through April 30, 2024, for catch and release only on other days.

Anglers are allowed a daily limit of one sturgeon with a minimum fork length of 43 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. This action comes in response to an assessment that the remaining harvest guideline of 275 sturgeon permits additional retention days.

While The Dalles Pool offers catch-and-release fishing on days closed to retention, it's worth noting that the Columbia River's John Day Pool remains open for white sturgeon retention seven days a week. Fishers planning to take advantage of this opportunity must possess a current Washington fishing license and adhere to the regulations outlined in the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet.

For updates on fishing rules, anglers are advised to consult the WDFW emergency rules webpage or contact the Ridgefield Office at 360-696-6211. Changes to fishing regulations are frequent, and fishers can access the latest information via the WDFW Fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the Shellfish Rule Change hotline at 1-866-880-5431.