Action:  The Snake River will open for harvest of fall Chinook.

Effective date:  August 18 through October 31, 2021

Species affected:  Chinook Salmon

Locations and daily limits:  

A)  Snake River:  From the mouth (Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25) to Lower Granite dam: Salmon open 7 days per week. Daily limit of three hatchery adult Chinook (adipose fin clipped) and no limit on jack Chinook (clipped or unclipped). Release all salmon other than jack Chinook and hatchery adult Chinook.

B)  Snake River:  From the downstream edge of the large power lines crossing the Snake River (just upstream from West Evans Road on the south shore, approximately 3 miles below Clarkston) upstream to the Oregon state line:  Salmon open seven days per week. Daily limit of three adult Chinook (clipped or unclipped) and no limit on jack Chinook (clipped or unclipped). Release all salmon other than Chinook.

Reason for action: The 2021 Columbia River forecasted return of upriver bright adults is 361,500, with a significant portion of these fish expected to return to the Snake River. This forecast is large enough to allow for Chinook harvest in the Snake River.

Additional rules and information: All salmon that are not kept as part of the daily limit cannot be removed from the water and must be immediately released unharmed. WDFW is requiring that all Washington licensed anglers cease fishing for the day once they have retained their adult daily limit. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for Chinook in the Snake River.

Anglers should be sure to identify their catch because returning coho salmon and steelhead are also in the Snake River during this fishery. Anglers should continue to check emergency regulations for new and changing seasons. In addition, anglers are reminded to refer to the 2021/2022 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other rules and regulations.

Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist (509) 382-1005