Action: Opens one day of spring Chinook salmon.

Effective date: June 7, 2024

Species affected: Chinook salmon         

Location: Below Little Goose Dam: Snake River from Texas Rapids boat launch (located on the south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River) upstream to the fishing restriction boundary below Little Goose Dam. This zone includes both shores and the rock and concrete area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and Little Goose Dam along the south shoreline of the facility (includes the walkway area locally known as “the Wall” in front of the juvenile collection facility).

Rules: 

• Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four hatchery (adipose clipped) Chinook, including no more than two adults.
• Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
• Anglers must stop fishing for salmon when the adult limit has been retained.
• Barbless hooks required.
• Night closure in effect.

Reason for action: The 2024 Columbia River forecasted return of upriver spring Chinook salmon is sufficiently abundant to allow for harvest opportunity on the Snake River based on WDFW Commission Policy C-3630. The U.S. v. Oregon (2018-2027) Management Agreement provides Endangered Species Act coverage for this fishery.

Additional information: 

• Adult Chinook are 24 inches or longer. Adipose fin-clipped Chinook salmon that may be retained must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All Chinook salmon with the adipose fin intact, all bull trout, and steelhead must be immediately released unharmed.
• Anglers cannot remove any Chinook salmon or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily limit.
• WDFW will monitor this fishery for harvest and ESA impacts.
• Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2023-24 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including safety closures, closed waters, etc.

Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist 509-382-1005