Release Chinook Marked With Hole Punch In Upper Columbia River Fisheries

September 8, 2016

Action: Anglers are required to release chinook salmon that have a ¼-inch diameter (round) hole punched in the upper lobe of the caudal (tail) fin

Effective dates: Sept. 15 – Oct. 31, 2016

Species affected: Fall chinook salmon (hatchery and wild)

Location: Columbia River from the Highway 395 Bridge in Pasco to Chief Joseph Dam

Reason for action: Fall chinook salmon are sedated in a chemical anesthetic, MS-222, during sampling at the Priest Rapids Dam. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a 21-day withdrawal period before human consumption of fish anesthetized in MS-222. WDFW staff is applying the ¼-inch diameter hole, which is punched in the upper lobe of the tail of sampled fish, so that anglers can visually identify fish that must be released. Salmon marked and released at Priest Rapids Dam may be caught in fisheries both upstream and downstream (fall back below the dam).

All other current regulations apply to the respective fisheries affected by this rule change.

Information contacts: John Easterbrooks, Region 3 Fish Program Manager, (509) 457-9330 (Yakima) or Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624 (Ephrata)

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ )for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.