Salmon fishing to close on lower Columbia River

OLYMPIA — Salmon fishing on the Columbia River below the Bonneville Dam is closed.

The state closed fishing to protect Chinook salmon making their way back up the river to tributaries, stated Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials.

From Rocky Point to the Bonneville Dam are closed to salmon and steelhead fishing.

“Fishing has been good, particularly in the Cowlitz River mouth area. Unfortunately, they have exceeded expectations, and our lower river … catch limits have been met,” said Ryan Lothrop, Columbia River WDFW fishery manager.

Fishing upstream from the Bonneville Dam is open for salmon, including Chinook.

“Anglers are also reminded that there is a sturgeon retention fishery on Sept. 11 and 18 in the main stem (of the) Columbia River and Cowlitz River, upstream of the Wauna powerlines to Bonneville Dam,” stated officials.