FISHING RULE CHANGE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

June 22, 2004

Note: An earlier fishing rule change issued June 15 contained an inaccurate effective date. The correct date is noted below:

Action: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will require anglers to release all sturgeon caught between Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River.

Effective date: 12:01 a.m., June 26 through Dec. 31, 2004.

Species affected: Sturgeon.

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam.

Reason for action: The cut-off date for sturgeon retention was adopted because Washington and Oregon fish managers estimate that the annual harvest guideline of 700 fish will be caught by June 26.

Other information: The section of the Columbia River between the Dalles Dam and McNary Dam will remain open to sturgeon retention. Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is still allowed between Bonneville and The Dalles dams.

Information contact: Dennis Gilliland, (360) 906-6733.

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.