The Dalles Pool Sturgeon Retention: 2 Additional Days Added for Feb 22 & 26, 2026!

The Columbia River is buzzing with excitement once again. If you’ve been tracking the Columbia River sturgeon season, you know that timing is everything. Fisheries managers have officially announced two critical additions to the calendar: Sunday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, Feb. 26, are now open for sturgeon retention in The Dalles Pool.

For local anglers and those traveling from across the Pacific Northwest, The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing offers a unique opportunity to bring home one of the most prehistoric and delicious fish in our waters. At Columbia River Fishing Adventures, we’ve seen how quickly these quotas can fill up, and these two “bonus” days are the perfect window to hit the water before the season closes for good.

Ready to secure your spot on the river? Our boats are prepping for these exclusive dates. Book your trip with Columbia River Fishing Adventures today and let our expert Columbia River fishing guides handle the navigation, gear, and heavy lifting while you focus on the fight!

Why These Additional Dates Matter for The Dalles Pool

The decision to add Feb. 22 and Feb. 26 comes after a careful review of harvest data by the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW/WDFW). Earlier in the month, the catch rates were steady but left enough of the state-allocated quota to allow for these high-intensity “flash” openers.

Understanding the Quota System

In the Columbia River basin, sturgeon are managed with extreme care to ensure the population remains healthy for generations. The Dalles Pool (the stretch of water between The Dalles Dam and John Day Dam) has a specific harvest guideline. When the initial days in January and early February didn’t hit the “ceiling,” managers opened these additional dates to provide recreational opportunity.

When participating in The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing, you aren’t just fishing; you are participating in a highly regulated, sustainable harvest that is the envy of the sport-fishing world.

Technical Specs: Size Limits and Rules for Feb 22 & 26

To stay legal and ensure you don’t lose your prize, you need to know the specific regulations for this pool. Unlike other sections of the river, The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing has a very specific “slot limit.”

• Legal Size: 43 inches to 54 inches fork length.
• Definition of Fork Length: Measure from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail.
• Daily Limit: 1 fish per person.
• Annual Limit: 2 fish per person (total for the year, across all waters).
• Gear: Single-point barbless hooks are mandatory.

Failure to follow these rules can lead to heavy fines, which is why many anglers prefer going out with a professional Columbia River fishing charter. We ensure every fish is measured accurately and all gear is 100% compliant with 2026 regulations.

Strategies for Success in The Dalles Pool

Fishing in late February presents specific challenges. The water is cold, and the sturgeon are often hunkered down in deep holes. To be successful with The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing, you need to adapt your tactics to the environment.

1. Locating the Fish

During the Columbia River sturgeon season, the fish in The Dalles Pool tend to congregate near the “shelves” or drop-offs. We use high-end sonar to find where the schools are sitting. Often, they are in 40 to 70 feet of water, looking for easy meals washed down from the dam.

2. The Best Bait for February

In the cold water of February, a sturgeon’s metabolism is slower. You need a bait that puts off a strong scent trail. At Columbia River Fishing Adventures, our Columbia River fishing guides swear by:

• Fresh Squid: Often wrapped with a bit of herring or anchovy.
• Pickled Squid: The extra “funk” can trigger a strike in cold water.
• Smelt or Shad: Classic staples that represent the natural forage in the pool.

3. Dealing with the Gorge Winds

The Dalles is famous for its wind. For The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing, wind isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a safety factor. A heavy boat and experienced captain are essential for staying on the “X” when the gusts start howling through the Columbia River Gorge.

Why Choose a Columbia River Fishing Charter?

You might be tempted to launch your own boat for these two days, but there are several reasons why hiring professional Columbia River fishing guides is the smarter move for these specific retention days.

• Pre-Scouted Holes: We are on the water daily. We know exactly where the “keepers” were sitting 24 hours ago.
• Elite Tackle: Sturgeon are incredibly strong. We provide heavy-action rods and high-capacity reels spooled with fresh 80-100lb braid to ensure you don’t lose the fish of a lifetime to gear failure.
• Safety First: The Columbia can be treacherous. Our Columbia River fishing charter vessels are inspected, insured, and operated by USCG-licensed captains.
• Processing: If you catch a legal keeper, we help you bleed and prep the fish so the meat stays in prime condition for the dinner table.

The Conservation Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

While we celebrate the sturgeon retention dates 2026, it’s important to remember that these days are a privilege. The “catch and release” fishery remains a staple of our business because it allows these slow-growing giants to reach maturity. Some of the fish we catch are over 80 years old!

By following the rules during The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing openers, we help ODFW and WDFW maintain a balance that allows for these harvest days while protecting the “oversize” broodstock that produces the next generation of fish.

What to Bring for Your Feb 22 or Feb 26 Trip

If you are joining us for The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing, preparation is key to having a good time. February in the Gorge can be unpredictable.

1. Warm Layers: Waterproof jackets and bibs are a must.
2. Valid License: You must have an Oregon or Washington fishing license with a Columbia River Basin Endorsement.
3. Food & Drink: We provide the gear and bait; you bring your favorite snacks and beverages.
4. A Large Cooler: If you land a keeper, you’ll need plenty of space (and ice) to get it home.

Summary of the 2026 Added Dates

To recap, here is the essential information for the upcoming retention window:

Date	Pool	Retention Status
Sunday, Feb. 22	The Dalles Pool	OPEN
Thursday, Feb. 26	The Dalles Pool	OPEN
All Other Days	The Dalles Pool	Catch & Release Only

The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing is world-class, but these windows are short. Don’t let the 2026 season pass you by without a trophy in the boat.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a sturgeon in the Bonneville Pool on these dates?

No. These specific added dates for the Columbia River sturgeon season apply only to The Dalles Pool (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam). Always check current ODFW/WDFW hotlines before heading out.

What happens if the quota is met on Feb 22?

If harvest rates are exceptionally high on Sunday, there is a small chance the Thursday, Feb. 26 date could be canceled. This is why we recommend booking the earliest possible date for The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing.

Do I need a special tag for sturgeon?

Yes, you need a combined angling tag that allows for sturgeon. You must also record your catch immediately upon retaining the fish. Our Columbia River fishing guides can help you with the paperwork on the boat.

Is sturgeon meat good to eat?

Absolutely! Sturgeon is a firm, white-fleshed fish with no bones (only cartilage). It is often compared to pork or veal in texture and is excellent grilled, smoked, or fried.

What is the best time of day for The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing?

While sturgeon feed throughout the day, the early morning “bite” is often the most productive. However, tides and dam spilling schedules can influence fish activity more than the sun’s position.

Plan Your Adventure Today

The clock is ticking on the sturgeon retention dates for 2026. With only two days added to the calendar, the demand for high-quality Columbia River fishing guides is at an all-time high. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-timer looking to experience the thrill of hooking a “river monster,” The Dalles Pool sturgeon fishing is an experience you won’t forget.

At Columbia River Fishing Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing a top-tier experience. From our custom-built boats to our deep knowledge of the Columbia’s secret spots, we are dedicated to putting you on the fish.

Don’t wait until the quota is gone!

Click here to contact Columbia River Fishing Adventures and book your February sturgeon retention trip 2026. Let’s go make some memories on the water!