Action: Extends spring Chinook seasons in the mainstem Columbia River from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upstream to the Washington/Oregon border.
Species affected: Spring Chinook and hatchery steelhead.
Columbia River and Deep River locations, dates, and rules:
From Rocky Point/Tongue Point (a projected line from Rocky Point on the Washington bank through Red Buoy 44 to the red navigation marker 2 at Tongue Point on the Oregon bank) upstream to Bonneville Dam; including Deep River (Wahkiakum County):
- June 5–15:
- Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches.
From Bonneville Dam upstream to the Tower Island power lines (approximately 6 miles below The Dalles Dam):
- June 5–15:
- Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches.
- Salmon and steelhead: Fishing from a vessel is prohibited. Bank angling with hand-cast lines only.
From the Tower Island power lines upstream to The Dalles Dam:
- June 5–15:
- Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches.
From a line starting from a fishing boundary sign on the Washington north shore located approximately 1,300 feet upstream of The Dalles Dam and Lock boat ramp projected easterly across the Columbia River to a boundary sign on the Washington southern shore located approximately 200 feet above the fish ladder exit upstream to Highway 730 at the Washington/Oregon border:
- June 5–15:
- Salmon and steelhead: Daily limit six, up to two adults may be retained of which no more than one may be an adult Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook. Release wild steelhead. Salmon minimum size 12 inches.
Reason for action: Adds additional days of spring Chinook retention in the mainstem Columbia River from Rocky Point/Tongue Point upstream to the Washington/Oregon Border consistent with joint state action taken on June 3, 2026.
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the Columbia River Mouth upriver Spring Chinook return to 111,900 compared to the preseason forecast of 147,300. However, current catch estimates indicate enough room remains within the recreational harvest allocation to support additional retention opportunities.
Fisheries are set within allowable catch levels for upriver spring Chinook and to account for impacts to other stocks of concern.
Additional information: All other permanent rules apply, including year-round closure areas as listed in the 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Staff will continue to monitor the fisheries in-season. If the fisheries are tracking within expectations, they will proceed as scheduled. However, due to the dynamic nature of fisheries and fish runs, in-season action may be necessary to remain within ESA limits and/or catch balancing requirements.
Anglers can receive regulation updates and fishery notices via email by subscribing to WDFW’s Columbia River Compact mailing list.
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 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.