Action: Restores the permanent salmon rules for the Lower Klickitat River described in the 2025-2026 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. Maintains salmon closure above Lyle Falls.
Effective date: Immediately through July 31, 2025.
Species affected: Salmon.
Location and rule:
- Klickitat River from the mouth to Fisher Hill Bridge. Salmon: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six, up to two adults may be retained. Release wild Chinook.
- Klickitat River from 400 feet upstream of #5 Fishway to boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon Hatchery. Salmon: Closed.
Reason for action: The Klickitat River salmon season was closed earlier this year due to low returns of spring Chinook to the Klickitat River. Fishery co-managers have indicated that the majority of the spring Chinook return has passed above Lyle Falls by the end of June, making continued closure of the hatchery Chinook fishery in the lower river unnecessary. Retention of hatchery spring Chinook remains closed above Fisher Hill Bridge to help support ongoing broodstock collection efforts at the Klickitat Salmon Hatchery.
Additional information: Salmon retention in the upper river will reopen under permanent rule on Aug. 1, 2025. Recreational anglers should be aware that public access to the Klickitat River through the Klickitat Salmon Hatchery is currently closed due to construction. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation is leading an effort to modernize the facility. To ensure public safety, all parking areas, river access points, and portage routes on hatchery grounds are closed for the duration of construction. Boating or rafting from launch sites upstream of the hatchery is not recommended during the closure. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2026, with public access reopening once the project is complete.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for additional fishing rules.