Oregon and Washington trying a new approach to 2026 sturgeon fisheries in the Columbia River upstream of Bonneville Dam; season will not open Jan. 1 in Bonneville and The Dalles pools

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Sturgeon retention will not open in Bonneville and The Dalles pools on the traditional date of Jan 1. following a joint state hearing held by Oregon and Washington fishery managers today. However, the retention fishery in the John Day pool, where harvest rates have been stable and conditions have been more consistent, will open as typical on New Year's Day.

In recent years, warmer-than-normal winter water temperatures, increased angling effort, and high catch rates have resulted in the Bonneville and The Dalles pool fisheries closing after a day or two. Because of this, fishery managers are employing a new approach to the retention fisheries in these areas starting in 2026. By delaying the opener until water temperatures cool off in late January or February, managers expect catch rates will be lower, increasing the likelihood the fishery could remain open longer. Managers will review this approach after the 2026 season and will use their findings to determine the structure of future fisheries.

For information concerning these decisions, see the Nov. 13, 2025 Winter Fact Sheet No.1.

Anglers should be aware of changes to Columbia Zone regulations appearing in Oregon's 2026 Sport Fishing Regulation book, such as having all Columbia River sturgeon retention fisheries closed unless opened via in-season action.