Post by KingFisher85 on Jan 16, 2004 12:31:03 GMT -5
Sturgeon! Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Contact: Ann Snyder (503) 947-6010
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us Fax: (503) 947-6009
For Immediate Release Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004
2004 Sturgeon Sport Fishery Set for Columbia and Willamette rivers
SALEM - The states of Oregon and Washington today approved the following rule changes for the 2004 sturgeon sport fisheries on the Columbia and Willamette rivers.
Above Wauna powerlines
In the mainstem Columbia River from Wauna powerlines (river mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel):
- Allow retention of sturgeon seven days a week through Saturday, Jan. 31.
-Allow retention of sturgeon three days a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) Feb. 1-July 31, and Oct. 1-Dec. 31.
- Prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days a week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) Feb. 1-July 31, and Oct. 1-Dec. 31.
- Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days a week Aug. 1-Sept. 30. Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.
Below Wauna powerlines
In the mainstem Columbia River from Wauna powerlines (river mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries:
- Allow retention of sturgeon seven days a week through April 30, and May 15-July 23.
- Increase minimum size limit from 42" to 45" during the May 15-July 23 retention season.
- Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days a week May 1-May 14, and July 24-Dec. 31.
Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.
*Catch limits and other restrictions listed in the current 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet remain in effect the entire year. Effective Jan. 1, 2004, the state of Oregon implemented a five-fish-per-year catch limit. Effective April 1, 2004, the state of Washington will implement a five-fish-per-year catch limit.
* Retention seasons are expectations based on current modeling. Catches will be tracked in-season and reviewed in July. Modifications will be made if necessary to remain within catch guidelines.
Future meetings
* The next Compact hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. at the Museum of the Oregon Territory in Oregon City to review salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and smelt stock status; consider fishing options in the mainstem Columbia River and select areas; and consider miscellaneous regulations for Columbia River commercial fisheries.
* A joint state meeting to consider spring chinook sport fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River is scheduled to occur immediately following the Feb. 5 Compact hearing.
Contact: Ann Snyder (503) 947-6010
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us Fax: (503) 947-6009
For Immediate Release Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004
2004 Sturgeon Sport Fishery Set for Columbia and Willamette rivers
SALEM - The states of Oregon and Washington today approved the following rule changes for the 2004 sturgeon sport fisheries on the Columbia and Willamette rivers.
Above Wauna powerlines
In the mainstem Columbia River from Wauna powerlines (river mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel):
- Allow retention of sturgeon seven days a week through Saturday, Jan. 31.
-Allow retention of sturgeon three days a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) Feb. 1-July 31, and Oct. 1-Dec. 31.
- Prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days a week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) Feb. 1-July 31, and Oct. 1-Dec. 31.
- Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days a week Aug. 1-Sept. 30. Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.
Below Wauna powerlines
In the mainstem Columbia River from Wauna powerlines (river mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries:
- Allow retention of sturgeon seven days a week through April 30, and May 15-July 23.
- Increase minimum size limit from 42" to 45" during the May 15-July 23 retention season.
- Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days a week May 1-May 14, and July 24-Dec. 31.
Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.
*Catch limits and other restrictions listed in the current 2004 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet remain in effect the entire year. Effective Jan. 1, 2004, the state of Oregon implemented a five-fish-per-year catch limit. Effective April 1, 2004, the state of Washington will implement a five-fish-per-year catch limit.
* Retention seasons are expectations based on current modeling. Catches will be tracked in-season and reviewed in July. Modifications will be made if necessary to remain within catch guidelines.
Future meetings
* The next Compact hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. at the Museum of the Oregon Territory in Oregon City to review salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and smelt stock status; consider fishing options in the mainstem Columbia River and select areas; and consider miscellaneous regulations for Columbia River commercial fisheries.
* A joint state meeting to consider spring chinook sport fisheries in the mainstem Columbia River is scheduled to occur immediately following the Feb. 5 Compact hearing.
