Most new fishing regulations adopted today will take effect March 1, when fishing for spring chinook and sturgeon starts to heat up on the lower Columbia. Until then, both fisheries are open on various sections of the river under rules approved last year.

This year’s spring chinook season is based on a projected return of 314,200 upriver fish to the Columbia River, which would be the fourth-largest on record. The sport fishery approved today is scheduled to run through April 6, but could be extended if enough fish are available for harvest.

Harvest guidelines adopted by the two states will allow anglers fishing below Bonneville Dam to catch and keep up to 14,500 hatchery-reared spring chinook before the run forecast is updated in May. Upriver fish bound for rivers above the dam are expected to make up the majority of the catch, but salmon returning to the Cowlitz, Lewis, Willamette and other rivers below Bonneville also contribute to the fishery.

As in years past, only hatchery-reared spring chinook marked with a clipped adipose fin  may be retained. Any unmarked wild spring chinook must be released unharmed.  

Cindy LeFleur, Columbia River policy manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), said this year’s spring chinook fishery looks promising, especially compared to last season.

“Not only is the run forecast well above average, but fishing conditions should be a lot better than last year when anglers had to contend with weeks of high, turbid water,” LeFleur said.

But tighter catch guidelines for white sturgeon on the lower Columbia River will reduce fishing opportunities for that species for the third straight year. Responding to the continued decline of sturgeon abundance below Bonneville Dam in recent years, the two states adopted fishing regulations designed to reduce the catch by another 38 percent this year.

“This year’s sturgeon fishery will be opening later or closing earlier on various sections of the river,” LeFleur said. “Anglers should check this year’s fishing rules carefully before they head out.”

The new fishing regulations for white sturgeon and spring chinook salmon will be posted on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ by the end of the day Jan. 27.

2012 spring chinook seasons

Spring chinook fishing is currently open to boat and bank anglers on a daily basis from Buoy 10 near the mouth of the Columbia River upstream to the Interstate 5 bridge. Under the new rules adopted today, the sport fishery will expand upriver to Beacon Rock from March 1 through April 6. During that period, the sport fishery will close on three Tuesdays – March 20, March 27 and April 3 – to accommodate commercial fisheries.

Starting March 1, bank anglers will also be allowed to fish from Beacon Rock up to the fishing boundary below Bonneville Dam.

Above Bonneville Dam, the fishery will be open to boat and bank anglers on a daily basis from March 16 through May 2 between the Tower Island powerlines six miles below The Dalles Dam and the Washington/Oregon state line, 17 miles upriver from McNary Dam. Bank anglers can also fish from Bonneville Dam upriver to the powerlines during that time.

Starting March 1, anglers fishing downriver from Bonneville Dam may retain one marked, hatchery-reared adult spring chinook as part of their daily catch limit. Above the dam, anglers can keep two marked adult spring chinook per day effective March 16.

This year’s forecast of 314,200 upriver spring chinook is up significantly from 2011, when 198,400 upriver fish were projected to enter the Columbia River. Although last year’s run exceeded that forecast, extremely high water conditions put a damper on catch rates for much of the season.

To guard against overestimating this year’s run, the states will again manage the fisheries with a 30 percent buffer until the forecast is updated in late April or early May.

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon have already scheduled a meeting April 5 to review the catch and determine if the season can be extended. If the catch to that point has not reached the initial harvest guideline, the two states will consider an immediate extension, said LeFleur, the WDFW fishery manager.

“We’ve agreed to take a conservative approach until May, when we typically know how many fish are actually returning,” Le Fleur said. “If the fish return at or above expectations, we will look toward providing additional days of fishing on the river later in the spring.”

2012 white sturgeon seasons

New harvest guidelines approved for sturgeon fisheries in the lower Columbia River will limit this year’s catch to 9,600, a 38 percent reduction from last year. That action follows a 30 percent catch reduction in 2011 and a 40 percent reduction in 2010.

Monitoring data jointly collected by Washington and Oregon indicate that the abundance of legal-size white sturgeon has declined by nearly 50 percent since 2003. Factors often cited for the decline include increased predation by sea lions and a drop in the abundance of smelt and lamprey, which contribute to sturgeons’ diet.

To keep this year’s catch within the new harvest guideline, the sturgeon fishery will end 23 days earlier than last year in the estuary below the Wauna powerlines and start eight days later in the fall from the powerlines upriver to Bonneville Dam. Fishing seasons approved for 2012 in the lower Columbia River are as follows:

• Buoy 10 to the Wauna powerlines:   Retention of white sturgeon is allowed daily from Jan. 1 through April 30 and from May 12 through July 8. From Jan. 1 through April 30, sturgeon must measure between 38 inches and 54 inches (fork length) to be retained. From May 12 through the end of the season they must measure 41 inches to 54 inches (fork length) to be retained. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed on days when retention is prohibited. 
• Wauna powerlines to Bonneville Dam: Retention of white sturgeon is allowed three days per week (Thursday through Saturday) from Jan. 1 through July 31 and from Oct. 20 through Dec. 31. Sturgeon must measure between 38 inches and 54 inches (fork length) to be retained. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed on days when retention is prohibited.

All fishing for sturgeon will be closed from May 1 through Aug. 31 in the sturgeon sanctuary downriver from Bonneville Dam described in the Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet. Sand Island Slough near Rooster Rock also will be closed to fishing at least through April 30.

As in years past, 80 percent of the allowable catch will be allocated to the sport fishery and 20 percent to the commercial fishery. Under the new harvest rate, the portion of the catch available to recreational fisheries will be allocated as follows: up to 4,160 fish in the estuary, up to 2,080 above Wauna and between 1,768 and 2,022 in the Willamette River.

The harvest share between recreational fisheries upstream and downstream from the Wauna power lines will be flexible and may be adjusted in-season to meet the states’ expectations for fishing seasons and ensure the harvest rate does not exceed area catch guidelines.

Unlike the lower river, legal-size sturgeon populations appear to be growing above Bonneville Dam, said Brad James, a WDFW fish biologist. This year’s harvest guidelines for sturgeon fisheries above the dam have not yet been determined.

Columbia River fishing seasons set for spring chinook, sturgeon is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

PORTLAND – For the third straight year, fish and wildlife directors from Washington and Oregon have agreed to reduce the catch of white sturgeon on the lower Columbia River, where the species has declined in abundance in recent years.

Under the new agreement, the total allowable harvest of white sturgeon below Bonneville Dam will be reduced from 22.5 percent of the “legal-size” fish to 16 percent in 2012.

The new harvest rate will hold the combined catch by sport and commercial fisheries to 9,600 sturgeon measuring 38 to 54 inches long. Last year’s guideline for those waters was 15,640 fish, although only 14,488 were actually harvested.

This year’s agreement will reduce the sturgeon harvest in the lower Columbia River by 38 percent, following a 30 percent reduction in 2011 and a 40 percent reduction the previous year.

The abundance of legal-size sturgeon has declined nearly 50 percent since 2007, according to surveys by both states. Factors often cited for the decline include increased predation by sea lions and a drop in the abundance of smelt and lamprey, which contribute to sturgeons’ diet.

Concerned by these trends, the fish and wildlife commissions charged with setting policy for each state called for significant catch reductions in 2012 during separate meetings last week. The responsibility for negotiating a common catch rate fell to the fish and wildlife directors of each state.

“This was not a difficult negotiation,” said Phil Anderson, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Both directors came into this discussion with serious concerns about the status of the resource and a commitment to make a significant reduction in the 2012 harvest level. I also heard stakeholders’ concerns about the decline in the sturgeon resource and their support for taking a more conservative approach in our harvest management.” 

Roy Elicker, director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, agreed, noting that the discussion quickly turned to how to best manage the 2012 fishery under the reduced harvest level.

“It’s clear that recent trends in sturgeon populations warrant a more precautionary approach,” Elicker said. “For 2012, the plan is to maintain the season and catch-allocation structure that has been in place for several years, but with shorter fishing periods.”

Under the 16 percent harvest rate, the portion of the catch available to recreational fisheries will be allocated as follows: 4,160 fish in the estuary, 2,080 above Wauna and between 1,768 and 2,022 in the Willamette River.

The directors agreed to some flexibility in the portion of the catch assigned to the Willamette River. This flexibility may be necessary to meet Oregon’s goal of four sturgeon retention days on the Willamette, Elicker said.

Projections indicate that 65,000 white sturgeon between 38 and 54 inches will be present below Bonneville Dam this year.

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon will meet Jan. 26 in Portland to set this year’s fishing seasons for sturgeon and spring chinook salmon on the lower Columbia River. Later in the year, the states plan to begin a public process involving fishermen to fully review current sturgeon management strategies on the Columbia and Willamette rivers prior to the 2013 fishing season.

States agree to reduce sturgeon catch by 38% on the lower Columbia River is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

For the third straight year, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon plan to reduce the allowable catch of white sturgeon on the lower Columbia River, where the species’ abundance has been declining since 2007.

At a public meeting last Saturday (Jan. 7), the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission called for reducing this year’s combined sport and commercial harvest levels by as much 38 percent. A day earlier, Oregon’s commission endorsed a proposal to reduce the catch guideline by more than 25 percent.

The commissions charged fish and wildlife directors of both states with negotiating an agreement by Jan. 26, when a joint hearing is scheduled to announce fishing seasons for sturgeon and salmon below Bonneville Dam.

Last year’s sturgeon guideline for those waters was 15,640 fish, although only 14,488 were actually harvested. Under the current policy, 80 percent of the catch is allocated to the recreational fishery and 20 percent to the commercial fishery.

Any restriction in this year’s sturgeon harvest will follow a 30 percent reduction in 2011 and a 40 percent reduction the year before. Even so, most fishers who spoke before the Washington commission urged its members to take bold action to address the decline in sturgeon abundance in the lower Columbia River.

“Fishers are very concerned, and so is this commission,” said Miranda Wecker, who chairs Washington’s nine-member citizen commission. “This may be our last attempt to reduce the downward trend before we have to consider a complete moratorium on the fishery.”

Fish biologists for both states estimate that the abundance of “legal-size” sturgeon measuring 38-54 inches in length has declined nearly 50 percent in the past four years. Projections indicate that 65,000 white sturgeon will be present below Bonneville Dam this year.

Factors often cited for the decline include increased predation by sea lions and a drop in the abundance of smelt and lamprey, which contribute to sturgeons’ diet. Pat Frazier, a regional fish manager at WDFW, said sea lion predation in the lower Columbia River increased in each of the past six years, claiming more than 8,300 sturgeon in 2011.

Besides providing direction for the sturgeon fishery, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission held public hearings on proposed changes in this year’s sportfishing rules and a bid to increase the number of multiple season hunting permits issued each year.

Both of those measures are scheduled for possible adoption by the commission at a meeting set for Feb. 3-4 in Olympia.

Changes proposed in state sportfishing rules range from closing steelhead fisheries earlier in a number of rivers in the Puget Sound area to changing the opening day of the lowland lake fishing season to the fourth Saturday in April. All changes proposed by WDFW are posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/.

Since 2006, WDFW has conducted annual drawings for multiple-season hunting permits, which allow a certain number of hunters to participate in all general hunting seasons for deer and elk. Without the special permit, hunters must choose among archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm seasons.

WDFW has proposed increasing the number of deer permits from 4,000 currently to 8,500, and the number of elk permits from 850 to 1,250. State wildlife managers told the commission that increasing permit levels will expand hunting opportunities without posing a risk to deer and elk populations.

Two new commissioners – Larry Carpenter of Mount Vernon and Jay Kehne of Omak – joined the nine-member panel for the meeting held Jan. 6-7 in Olympia. Both were appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to fill vacant terms on the commission.

Carpenter is owner of Master Marine Services Inc., in Mount Vernon. He also serves on the Southern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission and has been a long-time participant in the North of Falcon process, which is used to plan annual salmon-fishing seasons.

Kehne serves as Okanogan outreach associate for Conservation Northwest. He previously worked with the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for 31 years and has collaborated on an Okanogan County conservation-easement working group with county officials, land trusts and WDFW staff.

More information on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/.

Commissions call for further reductions in sturgeon catch on lower Columbia River is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the evening dig at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

No digging will be allowed at any beach before noon.

“The clams we’ve been seeing are in very good condition, with more fat than usual,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “That makes them especially good for frying.”

The evening low tide Friday, Jan. 20 is at 4:28 p.m. (-0.5 feet) and on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 5:17 p.m. (-0.8 feet).

Ayres recommends that diggers hit the beach one to two hours before evening low tide for best results.

Kalaloch Beach will remain closed until April, due to a low abundance of razor clams. The National Park Service, which manages that beach in cooperation with WDFW, has announced plans to open Kalaloch for a razor clam dig April 7-9.

At the other four beaches, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW’s website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov ) and from license vendors around the state.

First razor clam dig of 2012 gets nod is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

Clam diggers will get another chance to dig some fresh razor clams for the holidays during an opening Dec. 22-23 at four ocean beaches. 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the evening dig at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

Evening low tides during the dig will be at 4:40 p.m. Dec. 22 and at 5:29 p.m. on Dec. 23. No digging will be allowed at any beach before noon.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, recommends that diggers hit the beach one to two hours before evening low tide for best results.

“We had a good turnout for the dig earlier this month, and we’re expecting the same for the upcoming dig,” Ayres said. “The tides won’t be low enough for a New Year’s dig this year, but they’re providing some good digging opportunities this month.”

Kalaloch Beach will remain closed until April, due to a low abundance of razor clams.  The National Park Service, which manages that beach in cooperation with WDFW, has announced plans to open Kalaloch for a razor clam dig April 7-9.

Ayres said WDFW will announce tentative openings for early 2012 at the other four beaches in early January. 

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container. 

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW’s website ( https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov ) and from license vendors around the state.  

Final pre-holiday razor clam dig will run Dec. 22-23 is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

Clam diggers who want to dig some fresh razor clams for the holidays will get their first chance Saturday, Dec. 10 at four ocean beaches.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the evening dig at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

The low evening tide Dec. 10 will be at 6:30 p.m. No digging will be allowed at any of those beaches before noon.

“The upcoming dig will give folks a chance to take home some fresh razor clams in time for entertaining during the holidays,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

Ayres suggests that diggers check out the selection of razor clam recipes on the WDFW website (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/recipes.html), noting that the smoked razor clam appetizer is his personal favorite. He also recommends that diggers pack a flashlight and put on warm, waterproof clothes before they hit the beach.

WDFW has also tentatively scheduled a two-day dig Dec. 22-23 at the same four beaches, pending the results of future toxin tests. Final approval for that dig will be announced once those tests show the clams are still safe to eat.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW’s website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov) and from license vendors around the state.

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

Pre-holiday razor clam dig approved for Dec. 10 is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

Clam diggers today got a green light to proceed with a two-day razor clam dig starting the day after Thanksgiving Day at several ocean beaches.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

Four beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks – will open to razor clam digging on evening tides on Friday, Nov. 25. Three of those beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks – will remain open to digging Saturday, Nov. 26.

No digging will be allowed either day before noon.

“Digging razor clams is a popular way to burn off a big Thanksgiving dinner,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “Fortunately, we have some nice low tides for the holiday this year.”

For best results, Ayres recommends that clam diggers hit the beach an hour or two before the evening low tide. On Nov. 25, an evening low tide of -1.9 feet will occur at 6:27 p.m. The evening low tide Nov. 26 will be -1.8 feet at 7:14 p.m.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW’s website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov ) and from license vendors around the state.

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

Two-day razor clam dig cleared to get under way Nov. 25 is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests on all four beaches confirmed the clams are safe to eat.

Beaches scheduled to open for the two-day dig include Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks. No digging will be allowed either day before noon.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW’s website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov ) and from license vendors around the state.

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

“It’s important that diggers keep the clams they dig to prevent wastage,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “It’s not unusual to encounter some small clams, especially this early in the season.” 

For best results, Ayres recommends that clammers start digging an hour or two before the evening low tide. On Oct. 28, an evening low tide of -1.8 feet will occur at 8:28 p.m. The evening low tide Oct. 29 will be -1.5 feet at 9:17 pm.

“This season’s tides are not as favorable as those in the past few years,” Ayres said. “Low tides will occur later in the day, so diggers will have to be prepared for the dark during evening digs in fall and winter.”

WDFW has tentatively scheduled four other razor-clam digs through the end of the year – all pending final approval until future toxin tests confirm the clams are safe to eat.  The tentative schedule for future openings is posted on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html

First razor-clam dig of the season approved for Oct. 28-29 is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

In announcing its initial digging schedule, shellfish managers at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) emphasized that final approval of all openings will depend on results of marine toxin tests that show the clams are safe to eat.

Additional digs for 2012 will be announced in early January, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

“As in years past, we announce proposed digging schedules so people can start making plans,” Ayres said. “But no dig is final until test results confirm the clams are safe to eat.”

The first opening of the fall season is tentatively scheduled Oct. 28-29 on evening tides at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.

Olympic National Park, in consultation with WDFW, is still developing options for a recreational razor-clam season at Kalaloch Beach, which are expected to be announced in two to three weeks.

Most other digging opportunities through December are set at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks, because those beaches have the highest number of clams available for harvest. 

Additional digs scheduled so far at Copalis Beach are limited to Nov. 25 (the day after Thanksgiving) and Dec. 23 (two days before Christmas), due to a low abundance of clams there this year.

No digging will be allowed before noon on any of the five razor-clam beaches until the tides change next spring.
 
“This season’s tides are not as favorable as those in the past few years,” Ayres said. “Low tides will occur later in the day, so diggers will have to be prepared for the dark during evening digs in fall and winter.”

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

Under state law, digger can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig to prevent wastage. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

Below is the schedule of proposed razor-clam digs, along with evening low tides, announced by WDFW: 

• Oct. 28, Fri. – 8:28 p.m. (-1.8 ft.)
• Oct. 29, Sat. – 9:17 p.m. (-1.5 ft.)
•  
• Nov. 11, Fri. – 6:48 p.m. (-0.4 ft.)
• Nov. 12, Sat. – 7:23 p.m. (-0.4 ft.)  
   
• Nov. 25, Fri. – 6:27 p.m. (-1.9 ft.)
• Nov. 26, Sat. – 7:14 p.m. (-1.8 ft.)  
   
• Dec. 10, Sat. – 6:30 p.m. (-0.5 ft.) 
• Dec. 22, Thurs. – 4:40 p.m. (-0.9 ft.)
• Dec. 23, Fri. – 5:29 p.m. (-1.4)

First razor-clam dig of the season tentatively scheduled in October! is a post from: Port of Ilwaco

Action:   Close the recreational halibut fishery in Marine Area 1.

Effective Dates:   11:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2011.

Species affected: Pacific halibut.

Location: Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco/Chinook).

Reason for action: Federal regulations allow the Pacific halibut fishery to remain open in this area until the quota is taken or Sept. 30, whichever occurs first.  There is sufficient quota to allow the recreational halibut fishery to remain open through Sept. 30.

Other information: Daily limit one halibut, no minimum size limit.  The possession limit is two daily limits of halibut in any form, except the possession limit aboard the fishing vessel is one daily limit.

Marine Area 1 to close for recreational halibut fishing at the end of the day Sept. 30 is a post from: Port of Ilwaco