Action: Sets summer season salmon rules for the Hanford Reach.
Species affected: Salmon.
Locations, dates, and salmon rules:
From Columbia Point (1/3 mile downstream of Interstate 182 Bridge at Richland) to Interstate 182 Bridge at Richland:
- June 16–July 15:
- Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye.
- Anglers can use two poles when fishing for salmon with the Two-Pole Endorsement.
- Night closure in effect for salmon.
- Open only to bank fishing with hand-casted lines from shore on the west (Richland) side of the river. Closed to angling for salmon from a vessel and to fishing from shore on the east (Pasco) side of the river.
From Interstate 182 Bridge at Richland, upstream to 650 feet below Priest Rapids Dam:
- June 16–July 31:
- Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye.
- Anglers can use two poles when fishing for salmon with the Two-Pole Endorsement.
- Night closure in effect for salmon.
Reason for action: This action applies summer fishery rules developed through the 2026 North of Falcon season setting process and is consistent with co-manager agreements.
Additional information: Barbless hooks are not required when fishing for salmon in this area of the Columbia River.
With the exception of the "bank fishing only" area listed above, all waters from Highway 395 Bridge to Interstate 182 Bridge are closed to fishing for salmon and steelhead during the summer salmon fishery.
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 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: Todd Miller, District 4 Fish Biologist, 509-545-2284, South Central Region. Email: TeamYakima@dfw.wa.gov