2004 sturgeon sport fishery set for Columbia and Willamette rivers

SALEM – The states of Oregon and Washington today approved the following rule changes for the 2004 sturgeon sport fisheries on the Columbia and Willamette rivers.

Above Wauna powerlines

In the mainstem Columbia River from Wauna powerlines (river mile 40) upstream to Bonneville Dam, all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls (including Multnomah Channel):

• Allow retention of sturgeon seven days a week through Saturday, Jan. 31.

• Allow retention of sturgeon three days a week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) Feb. 1-July 31, and Oct. 1-Dec. 31.

• Prohibit the retention of sturgeon four days a week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) Feb. 1-July 31, and Oct. 1-Dec. 31.

• Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days a week Aug. 1-Sept. 30. Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures.

Below Wauna powerlines

In the mainstem Columbia River from Wauna powerlines (river mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay and all adjacent Washington tributaries:

• Allow retention of sturgeon seven days a week through April 30, and May 15-July 23.

• Increase minimum size limit from 42" to 45" during the May 15-July 23 retention season.

• Prohibit the retention of sturgeon seven days a week May 1-May 14, and July 24-Dec. 31. Catch and release of sturgeon may continue during retention closures

It isn't enough that they're limiting us to 5 fish a year? I wonder if the nets are going to have any more limits this year? Probably not. We'll be seeing hundreds of dead sturgeon along the oregon coast again.