Action: Opens the lower Yakima River salmon retention.
Effective date: Sept. 15-Oct. 31, 2026.
Species affected: Chinook and coho salmon.
Location: Yakima River from the Highway 240 bridge in Richland (river mile 2.1) to the Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser (river mile 47.0).
Rules: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit of one adult. No limit on jacks. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho. Night closure in effect. Barbless hooks are required.
Reason for action: Current fish passage through the Prosser Diversion Dam indicates the fall Chinook return is sufficient to provide sport fishing opportunity for anglers in the lower Yakima River.
Additional information: Anglers must stop fishing for salmon once they have retained their adult daily limit. Fishing remains closed from 200 feet downstream of the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Chandler Powerhouse/Spillway to 200 feet upstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse.
A Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement is required for all anglers age 15 and older fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries (including Yakima River).
Fishery managers will continue to monitor the return and announce any additional changes to the fishery if necessary.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the Washington Sport Fishing Rules for current regulation. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.