Action: Closes retention of sturgeon.
Effective date: Jan. 4 through April 30, 2024.
Species affected: White sturgeon.
Location: Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam and all adjacent Washington tributaries.
Reason for action: Catch rates in Bonneville Pool were higher than preseason expectations. The projected total catch through Jan. 3, 2024, is 650 fish as compared to the harvest guideline of 675 fish. Therefore, not enough fish remain on the guideline to allow for additional retention opportunities. These populations are managed under sustainable harvest guidelines.
Additional information: Bonneville Pool remains open for catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon on days not open to retention, as do many other stretches of the Columbia River. In addition, the John Day Pool between John Day Dam and McNary Dam opened to white sturgeon retention seven-days-per-week starting Jan. 1, 2024, following permanent rules.