Coho retention opens on Columbia from Priest Rapids to Rock Island Dam

WENATCHEE — Anglers may keep coho salmon on the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam upstream to Rock Island Dam through Oct. 15, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

The opening started Sept. 30. The daily limit is six salmon with a minimum size of 12 inches. The limit may include no more than two adult chinook and no more than four coho. Sockeye must be released.

The department said returns of coho bound for the upper Columbia are large enough to meet conservation goals and still allow a sport harvest. It will monitor the fishery and may close it early if too many ESA-listed summer steelhead are caught and released.

Anglers need a current Washington fishing license. Check emergency rules at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules before heading out. Questions go to the WDFW North Central Region office in Ephrata, 509-754-4624 or TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov.