Action: Closes retention of wild (unmarked) adult Chinook in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River beginning Sept. 23, 2026.
Effective date: Sept. 23–Dec. 31, 2026 (see specific dates below).
Species affected: Chinook salmon
Location, dates, and rules:
From the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco to the Old Hanford Townsite Powerline Crossing (Catch Record Card (CRC) areas 534 and 535):
- Sept. 23–Dec. 31:
- Daily limit six, including no more than one adult. Release wild Chinook.
From the Old Hanford Townsite Powerline Crossing to 650 feet below the fish ladder at Priest Rapids Dam (CRC 536):
- Sept. 23–Oct. 15:
- Daily limit six, including no more than one adult. Release wild Chinook.
Reason for action: WDFW has reviewed in-season estimates of run size and current harvest of unmarked fall Chinook salmon and associated impacts to natural-origin fish from recreational fisheries. Based on current harvest levels, it is necessary to shift to a mark-selective fishery for adult Chinook to extend opportunity to harvest hatchery fish while minimizing impacts on natural-origin fish.
Additional information:
- WDFW requires that all Washington licensed anglers cease fishing for salmon once they have retained their adult daily limit. Adult Chinook are 24 inches in length or larger and jack Chinook are less than 24 inches in length; adult coho 20 inches in length or larger, jack coho are less than 20 inches in length.
- All salmonids (salmon or steelhead) that are not kept as part of the daily limit cannot be removed from the water and must be immediately released unharmed. All salmon must be immediately recorded upon retention.
- All anglers age 15 and older must possess a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement (CRSSE) to fish recreationally for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many of its Washington tributaries. The CRSSE is an annual requirement in addition to a valid fishing license. Endorsements are available to purchase online.
- Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the Washington Sport Fishing Rules for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: Todd Miller, South Central Region, 564-263-8636.