It looks like there are going to be some big changes on the Columbia river for Salmon, and Sturgeon fishing in 2013. Nothing is set in stone yet and as soon as the new rules come out I will post a update. But for now let’s talk about a little of what is on the table. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Friday to discuss things like
-Youngs Bay bubble: Sportfishing would close Aug. 1-Sept. 15 outside the Youngs Bay entrance, from the east end of the seawall of Nygaard Log Yard east along the green buoy line (nos. 29, 31, 33 and 35A) to the Astoria-Megler Bridge’s first abutment north of the shipping channel then south to the shoreline. This is a very popular place for salmon in the fall and even oversized sturgeon in the summer. No closures are proposed for Tongue Point or Blind Slough.
-Barbless: It looks like the Columbia River will go to barbless hooks for salmon and steelhead fishing. Washington licensed fishermen in the Columbia have had to abide by this rule for a while now. Oregon is looking to follow suit at this point.
-Sturgeon fishing: No retention throughout the lower Columbia River and in all coastal tributaries. This includes no non-tribal commercial fishing. Controlled retention fishing would continue upriver from Bonneville Dam. Catch and release Sturgeon will be allowed 7 days a week.
The one thing we know for sure is Sturgeon fishing will be allowed above Bonneville Dam for retention, like always I’m sure this will be a short season. If you want to keep a Sturgeon in 2013 give me a call and we will be fishing from a covered and heated boat.
Last Updated on by Marvin
