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

December 14, 2007

Action: Allow retention of white sturgeon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from January 1 through July 31 and from October 1 through December 31, 2008. Sturgeon may be caught and released, but not retained, Mondays through Wednesdays and during August and September.

Effective date: Jan. 1 through July 31 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.

Location: The Columbia River and tributaries from the Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam.

Species affected: White Sturgeon

Reason for action: An additional 1,100 white sturgeon, remaining from the 2006 and 2007 above Wauna harvest guideline, were added to the 2008 harvest guideline, providing for additional white sturgeon retention opportunity in this area.

Other information: White sturgeon retention on the Columbia River and tributaries below the Wauna power lines reopens to retention seven days per week from January 1 through April 30, as per permanent regulations. The area below Wauna is scheduled to close to retention from May 1 through May 9, then reopen to retention from May 10 through June 24. The minimum size for this area, currently 42 inches, switches to 45 inches May 10. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited in the Columbia River.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

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.