Low sockeye salmon returns lead to fishery changes in Columbia

OLYMPIA — Changes are coming to planned sockeye salmon fisheries throughout the Columbia River, as early return data shows abundances are much lower than preseason forecasts.

Based on current run size information, recreational sockeye fisheries in the upper Columbia River will not open July 1, and the Hanford Reach sockeye fishery, which opened June 16, closed on June 20.

The planned sockeye retention season in the lower Columbia River downstream of the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco is reduced by four retention days following joint state action taken by Oregon and Washington fishery managers.

The updated season is June 27 through July 5, but further modifications may be necessary as Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff continue to monitor the run.

Anglers can find details on the updated seasons on the emergency fishing rules webpage on the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules

Both states jointly manage Columbia River mainstem waters downstream of the Washington-Oregon state line, and fishery management decisions consider constituents across both states.

“Sockeye returns are tracking well-below what fishery managers forecasted before the season, which means fewer fish are available to support fisheries throughout the Columbia River system,” said Quinten Daugherty, acting Columbia River fisheries manager with WDFW. “These closures and reductions reflect a precautionary, in-season adjustment designed to align fisheries with current return data while preserving flexibility if conditions change as the run develops.”

WDFW fishery managers project the return of adult sockeye salmon to Bonneville Dam to be less than half of the preseason forecast of 275,000 based on current run size information.

At this early point in the season, fishery managers noted significant uncertainty around the run, including variability around the timing of its peak.

Managers expect greater certainty in the overall run size in late June, which is typically when half of the run passes Bonneville Dam.

Managers may also consider opportunities in the upper Columbia River later in the season if sufficient numbers of sockeye return.

The Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery may open if sockeye passage at Tumwater Dam exceeds the spawner target of 23,000 adult sockeye. Managers will also consider a sockeye fishery at Brewster Pool.

“We understand anglers in the upper Columbia are disappointed by these closures,” said Chad Jackson, North Central Region fish program manager.