(Bonneville, WA) Catch rates and effort in Bonneville Pool were higher than preseason expectations. The total catch on Jan. 1 was 1,365 fish, which exceeds the annual harvest guideline of 675 fish. Therefore, no fish remain on the guideline to allow for previously scheduled retention opportunities. These populations are managed under sustainable harvest guidelines.
Bonneville Pool remains open for catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon on days not open to retention, as do many other stretches of the Columbia River. In addition, the John Day Pool between John Day Dam and McNary Dam opened to white sturgeon retention seven days per week starting Jan. 1, following permanent rules.