RIDGEFIELD – The 2026 Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Fishery season has been extended through Oct. 11 at select registration stations. The reward program, funded by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), pays anglers to catch predatory northern pikeminnow, a native fish that consumes millions of juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers each year.
Registration stations open through Oct. 11 include Cathlamet, Washougal, Stevenson, The Dalles, Boyer Park, and Swallows Park. All other stations will close after Sept. 30 as planned. Details about each station, including operating hours and locations, are available online.
“This extension gives anglers more time to earn cash rewards during a productive time of year for catching pikeminnow,” said Eric Winther, pikeminnow program manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “Each fish harvested helps support the recovery and protection of juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River basin.”
In 2026, anglers have turned in more than 116,000 qualifying northern pikeminnow since the season began May 1. The season’s top angler has earned $132,960 by turning in 13,062 fish.
The goal of the program is not to eradicate native northern pikeminnow, but to remove up to 20% of the larger, predator-sized northern pikeminnow each year. Removing these fish helps shift the population toward smaller individuals, which consume fewer juvenile salmon and steelhead. The season could close at all stations before Oct. 11 if anglers reach the 20% limit.
Anglers are paid for each qualifying northern pikeminnow they catch, with payouts increasing as they catch more fish. Anglers earn $6 for the first 25 fish, $8 for fish 26 to 200, and $10 for every fish over 200. Anglers can also catch tagged northern pikeminnow worth up to $500 each.
Anglers must register each day they plan to fish, either at a registration station or using the Pikeminnow Registration mobile application, available on Apple and Android devices.
To qualify for a cash reward, northern pikeminnow must be at least nine inches long, and caught within program boundaries. Fish must be turned in fresh on the date indicated on their registration and will only be accepted at the station where the angler registered. Only fish personally caught by the registered angler are eligible for reward payment. A valid fishing license is required, and all state fishing regulations must be followed.
The sport-reward fishery is part of a larger BPA-funded effort approved by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to help mitigate the impacts of Columbia River dams on salmon and steelhead. The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission oversees the program and distributes payments to anglers. WDFW manages registration, check stations, and fish tagging, with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife supporting biological research to track program effectiveness.
For more information about the sport-reward fishery, including regulations, locations and maps, registration, and catch data, refer to pikeminnow.org or call the hotline at 800-858-9015.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.