This weekend will be the final extension to catch white sturgeon.

The states of Oregon and Washington extended the popular recreational white sturgeon season in the lower Columbia River.

Under rules adopted during a joint state hearing, anglers will have two additional three-day periods when retention of white sturgeon will be allowed. The first three-day retention period took place Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12. The second period will take place Friday, July 17 through Sunday July 19.

The action applies to a 40-mile section of the Columbia downstream from the Wauna power lines to Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries.

Sturgeon must be 41-54 inches fork length to be retained, with a daily bag limit of one fish and an annual bag limit of five fish. Retention of green sturgeon is prohibited.

The extension was adopted because catch rates were lower than expected, leaving additional fish available for harvest. A similar extension occurred in 2008.

“I am glad we are able to give our fishermen in the lower Columbia a little more opportunity,” said Steve Williams, deputy director of ODFW’s fish division.



For the complete article see the 07-15-2009 issue.

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