2020 Columbia River Sturgeon Season update

November 28, 2021

Zone 6 Recreational White Sturgeon Fisheries

  • Under permanent regulations, the area from Bonneville Dam upstream to McNary Dam opens January 1 each year for white sturgeon retention. For 2020, each of the three pools are scheduled to remain open until pool-specific guidelines are met.
  • From 2011-2018, the Bonneville Pool recreational fishery was managed to provide retention opportunity during winter and summer seasons, with the guideline being shared to provide opportunity in both seasons. The reduced harvest guidelines in place since 2016 for Bonneville Pool have made it difficult to execute both the winter and summer seasons, so beginning in 2019, the fishery was managed for a winter season only.
  • Current recreational sturgeon guidelines and harvest estimates for 2020 Zone 6 recreational fisheries are summarized below: 2020 Zone 6 Recreational Sturgeon Guidelines and Harvest Pool Guideline Harvest (thru Jan 26) % of guideline Bonneville 500 265 53% The Dalles 135 97 72% John Day 105 32 31%
  • Catches in the past week have been low which complicates staff’s ability at this point in time to project when pool-specific guidelines may be met. Staff will continue to monitor recreational harvest in Zone 6 and recommend closure dates when appropriate.

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