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ODFW offices close to public access
Beginning March 23, all ODFW offices will be closed to visitors. ODFW staff will be available by phone and email.
ODFW hatcheries closed to public, visitors
Effective March 18, all state-owned fish hatcheries are closed to public access and visitors. Trout stocking in lakes and ponds continues for now.
Recreation Report
Columbia Zone
Regulation Updates
Regulation Updates as of August 5, 2020
These are in-season regulation changes adopted on a temporary or emergency basis. Please see e-regulations for permanent regulations.
SALMON, STEELHEAD, and SHAD
Barbless Hooks are required when angling for salmon, steelhead, or trout in the mainstem Columbia River under permanent regulations.
Quick Links |
Fall Season (August 1-December 31 timeframe)
For all fall salmonid fisheries, each legal angler aboard a vessel may continue to deploy angling gear until the daily adult salmonid bag limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.
Buoy 10
Area definition: From the Buoy 10 line upstream to a line projected from Rocky Point on the Washington shore through red navigation buoy #44 to the navigation light at Tongue Point on the Oregon shore.
General regulations during August 1 – December 31: When salmonid angling is allowed, 1) the daily adult bag limit is one salmonid, 2) wild coho must be released, 3) retention of jack salmon prohibited until October 1 b.
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Additional regulations by date period are described below:
- August 1 – 13: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- August 14 –27: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (16-inches and longer) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- August 28 – September 22: Retention of adult hatchery coho allowed. All Chinook and steelhead must be released.
- September 23 – October 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (16-inches and longer) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- November 1 – December 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches), adult hatchery coho (16-inches and longer), and hatchery steelhead allowed.
Tongue Point/Rocky Point upstream to west Puget Island
Area definition: From a line projected from Rocky Point on the Washington shore through red navigation buoy #44 to the navigation marker at Tongue Point on the Oregon shore upstream to a line at the west end of Puget Island extending from green navigation marker #39 on the Washington shore to green navigation marker #41, then to red navigation marker #42, and terminating at red navigation marker #44A on the Oregon shore.
General regulations during August 1 – December 31: When salmonid angling is allowed, 1) the daily adult bag limit is one salmonid, 2) wild coho must be released, and 3) retention of jack salmon allowed b.
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Additional regulations by date period are described below:
- August 1 – 13: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- August 14 –27: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- August 28 – September 22: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- September 23 – October 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- November 1 – December 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches), adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches), and hatchery steelhead allowed.
West Puget Island upstream to Warrior Rock/Bachelor Island
Area definition: From a line at the west end of Puget Island extending from green navigation marker #39 on the Washington shore to green navigation marker #41, then to red navigation marker #42, and terminating at red navigation marker #44A on the Oregon shore upstream to a line projected from the Warrior Rock Lighthouse on the Oregon shore to red navigation buoy #4, then to the piling dolphin on the lower end of Bachelor Island.
General regulations during August 1 – December 31: When salmonid angling is allowed, 1) the daily adult bag limit is one salmonid, 2) wild coho must be released, and 3) retention of jack salmon allowed b.
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Additional regulations by date period are described below:
- August 1 – 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- September 1 – 22: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- September 23 – October 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- November 1 – December 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches), adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches), and hatchery steelhead allowed.
Warrior Rock/Bachelor Island upstream to Bonneville Dam
Area definition: From a line projected from the Warrior Rock Lighthouse on the Oregon shore to red navigation buoy #4, then to the piling dolphin on the lower end of Bachelor Island upstream to Bonneville Dam.
General regulations during August 1 – December 31: When salmonid angling is allowed, 1) the daily adult bag limit is one salmonid, 2) wild coho must be released, and 3) retention of jack salmon allowed b.
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Additional regulations by date period are described below:
- August 1-6: Salmonid angling prohibited.
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August 7 – September 6:
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (Aug 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, and Sep 4-6): Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- Monday thru Thursday (Aug 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, and Aug 31-Sep 3): Salmonid angling prohibited.
- September 7 – 22: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- September 23 – October 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- November 1 – December 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches), adult hatchery coho (longer than 20-inches), and hatchery steelhead allowed.
Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam a
General regulations during August 1 – December 31: When salmonid angling is allowed, 1) the daily adult bag limit is one salmonid, 2) all coho (adults and jacks) retained downstream of the Hood River Bridge must be hatchery fish, and 3) retention of jack salmon allowed b.
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Additional regulations by date period are described below:
- August 1 – September 8: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- September 9 – 22: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- September 23 – October 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- November 1 – December 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches), adult coho (longer than 20-inches), and hatchery steelhead allowed.
The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam a
General regulations during August 1 – December 31: When salmonid angling is allowed, 1) the daily adult bag limit is one salmonid, 2) all steelhead must be released, and 3) retention of jack salmon allowed b.
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Additional regulations by date period are described below:
- August 1 – September 8: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. September 9 – 22: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- September 23 – December 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed.
John Day Dam upstream to the Hwy 395 Bridge (Pasco, WA)
General regulations during August 1 – December 31: When salmonid angling is allowed, 1) the daily adult bag limit is one salmonid, and 2) retention of jack salmon allowed b.
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Additional regulations by date period are described below:
- August 1 – 31: Retention of adult (longer than 24-inches) Chinook, adult coho (longer than 20-inches), and hatchery steelhead allowed.
- September 1 – 8: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
- September 9 – 22: Salmonid angling prohibited.
- September 23 – December 31: Retention of adult Chinook (longer than 24-inches) and adult coho (longer than 20-inches) allowed. All steelhead must be released.
a Temporary rules for Thermal Angling Sanctuaries associated with Eagle Creek, Herman Creek, and the Deschutes River are described below.
b The daily bag limit for jack salmon in Oregon is five fish.
Summary of 2020 summer/fall salmon and steelhead regulations for Columbia River Thermal Angling Sanctuaries and associated Oregon tributaries*.
The sanctuary boundaries span zones so rule modifications are needed in both the Central and Columbia River zones.
Eagle Creek (Central Zone)
Area definition: From the angling deadline in Eagle Creek (200 feet downstream of hatchery fishway entrance) downstream to the mouth at the mainline railroad bridge.
- June 16 – July 14: One hatchery steelhead allowed in the adult salmonid daily limit.
- July 15 – September 15: Closed to angling.
- September 16 - November 30: Salmonid angling and retention prohibited.
- December 1 – 31: One hatchery steelhead allowed in the adult salmonid daily limit.
Eagle Creek Mouth (Columbia River Zone)
Area definition: The mainstem Columbia River adjacent to the mouth of Eagle Creek from the mainline railroad bridge northwest to a line projecting from a marker on the Oregon shore approximately 200 feet downstream of Eagle Creek, through red navigation buoy #4, and terminating at a marker on the Oregon shore approximately 325 feet upstream of Eagle Creek.
- June 16 –July 14 and September 16-December 31: See rules for Columbia mainstem Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam.
- July 15 – September 15: Closed to angling.
Herman Creek (Columbia River Zone)
Area definition: From the mainline railroad bridge downstream to markers at mouth.
- June 16 – July 14: One hatchery steelhead allowed in the adult salmonid daily limit.
- July 15 –November 30: Closed to angling.
- December 1 – 31: One hatchery steelhead allowed in the adult salmonid daily limit.
Herman Creek Lagoon (Columbia River Zone)
Area definition: Herman Creek Lagoon/Cove east of a line from the northwest tip of the jetty, south to a marker on the Oregon shore.
- June 16 –July 14 and September 16-December 31: See rules for Columbia mainstem Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam.
- July 15 – September 15: Closed to angling.
Herman Creek Youth and Disabled Angler Angling Area (Columbia River Zone)
Area definition: West of the peninsula from the markers at the mouth to lower Herman Cr. Pond structure.
- This area remains open for salmon and steelhead consistent with regulations for Columbia mainstem from Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam. This area is open to youth angling (ages 17 and under) and Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit Holders only.
Deschutes River (Central Zone)
Area definition: From markers at lower end of Moody Rapids downstream to the mouth at Interstate 84 Bridge.
- June 16 – December 31: One hatchery steelhead allowed in the adult salmonid daily limit except closed to angling July 15-September 15.
Deschutes River Mouth (Columbia River Zone)
Area definition: The mainstem Columbia River adjacent to the mouth of the Deschutes River from the Interstate 84 Bridge north to a line projecting from the flashing red navigation marker #2 located approximately 1.5 miles downstream of the Deschutes River mouth on the Oregon shore, upstream to the red navigation marker #4, then to the lower South Channel Range “B” marker located on the Oregon shore approximately 0.7 mile upstream of the Deschutes River mouth.
- June 16 –July 14 and September 16-December 31: See rules for Columbia mainstem from The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam.
- July 15 – September 15: Closed to angling.
John Day River (downstream of Tumwater Falls)
- June 16 – August 31: one hatchery steelhead allowed in the adult salmonid daily limit
- September 1 – December 31: closed to steelhead retention
- Permanent regulations apply for other sections of the above tributaries
STURGEON
COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Buoy 10 to Wauna Powerlines
- Permanent rules for sturgeon are in effect, including closed to the retention of sturgeon (see e-regulations). Catch-and-release fishing is allowed.
COLUMBIA RIVER MAINSTEM, Wauna Powerlines to Bonneville Dam
- Permanent rules for sturgeon are in effect, including closed to the retention of sturgeon (see e-regulations). Catch-and-release fishing is allowed except in sanctuary closure areas during May 1-August 31.
COLUMBIA RIVER RESERVOIRS, between Bonneville Dam and McNary Dam
Bonneville Reservoir (Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam)
- Closed to retention of sturgeon. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed except in sanctuary closure areas during May 1-August 31.
The Dalles Reservoir (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam)
- Closed to retention of sturgeon. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed except in sanctuary closure areas during May 1-August 31.
John Day Reservoir (John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam)
- Closed to the retention of white sturgeon. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed except in sanctuary closure areas during May 1-August 31.
See 2020 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for sanctuary closure areas and size, daily, and annual bag limits when open for retention.
COLUMBIA RIVER COMPACT ACTION NOTICES
Recreation Report
If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen
Submit your fishing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.
Send us your fishing report
We’d love to hear about your recent fishing experience. Send us your own fishing report through ODFW Fishing Reports―the information will be forwarded to the local biologist who may use it to update various ODFW resources such as the weekly Recreation Report.
Fish for free this weekend
It’s Free Fishing Weekend Aug. 15-16 – two days when you, your friends, your family and everyone else can fish (and crab and clam) for free any where in Oregon that’s open. No license, tag, endorsement or validation needed. Nonresidents included. (Regular closures, bag limits and other regulations still apply.)
Tips to recreate responsibly
We continue to urge anglers and others recreating outside to stay close to home, keep your social distance, and travel safely. Here’s more information about how to recreate responsibly.
Current and Upcoming Fishing Opportunities:
- Effective Aug. 1, fall salmon seasons open on the mainstem Columbia River from West Puget Island upstream to Warrior Rock/Bachelor Island and from Bonneville Dam upstream to the Hwy 395 Bridge in Pasco, WA(see Sport Fishing Regulations Updates page for additional regulation details).
- Effective Aug. 7 , fall salmon seasons open three days/week (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays ONLY) on the mainstem Columbia River from Warrior Rock/Bachelor Island upstream to Bonneville Dam (see Sport Fishing Regulations Updates page for additional regulation details).
- Beginning Aug. 14, fall salmon seasons open from Buoy 10 upstream to West Puget Island (see Sport Fishing Regulations Updates page for additional regulation details).
Columbia River regulation updates for salmon, steelhead, shad and sturgeon can be found above.
Salmon, Steelhead and Shad
On Saturday’s (8/8) flight, 199 salmonid boats and 45 Oregon bank anglers were counted from Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam. Salmonid boat anglers fishing in the gorge averaged 0.09 Chinook caught per boat, while anglers fishing in Troutdale averaged 0.05 Chinook caught per boat. In the Portland to St. Helens area, boat anglers averaged 0.19 Chinook caught per boat, while anglers fishing the Goble to Beaver area averaged 0.12 Chinook and 0.02 steelhead caught per boat. Bank anglers fishing in the gorge averaged 0.04 Chinook and 0.08 steelhead caught per angler rod.
Gorge Bank:
Weekend checking showed one adult Chinook kept, and two steelhead released for 25 bank anglers.
Gorge Boats:
Weekend checking showed one adult Chinook kept for 11 boats (25 anglers).
Troutdale Boats:
Weekend checking showed two adult Chinook kept for 41 boats (80 anglers).
Portland to Westport Bank:
Weekend checking showed no catch for 10 bank anglers.
Portland to St. Helens Boats:
Weekend checking showed one adult Chinook kept, and two adult Chinook released for 16 boats (38 anglers).
Goble to Beaver (Clatskanie) Boats:
Weekend checking showed six adult and one jack Chinook kept, plus one adult Chinook, five jack Chinook and one steelhead released for 57 boats (139 anglers).
Beaver (Clatskanie) to Westport Boats:
Weekend checking showed no catch for one boat (three anglers).
Wauna Powerlines to Clatsop Spit Bank:
No report.
Westport to Tongue Point Boats:
No report.
Tongue Point to Buoy 10 Boats:
No report.
Bonneville Pool (Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam):
No report.
The Dalles Pool (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam):
Weekly checking showed no catch for three boats (four anglers).
John Day Pool (John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam):
No report.
STURGEON
Lower Columbia River (below Bonneville Dam): Closed for retention. Weekend checking showed three sublegal and 11 legal white sturgeon released for three boats (17 anglers).
Bonneville Pool (Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam): Closed for retention. Weekly checking showed 59 sublegal and one overlegal white sturgeon released for one boat (three anglers).
The Dalles Pool (The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam): Closed for retention. Weekly checking showed no catch for two bank anglers; and eight sublegal, and one overlegal white sturgeon released for one boat (six anglers).
John Day Pool (John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam):
Closed for retention. No report.
WALLEYE
Lower Columbia River (below Bonneville Dam): Weekend checking showed three walleye kept for four boats (five anglers).
Bonneville Pool: No report.
The Dalles Pool: Weekly checking showed 13 walleye kept for eight boats (17 anglers).
John Day Pool: Weekly checking showed 172 walleye kept, and 52 walleye released for 45 boats (100 anglers).