Klickitat River Closing For Chinook Retention

Spring chinook retention to close on the Klickitat River

Action: Closes retention of spring chinook on the Klickitat River.

Effective date: June 5, 2019 until further notice.

Species affected: Spring chinook.

Location: From the mouth (Burlington Northern railroad bridge) to the boundary markers below Klickitat Salmon Hatchery.

Reason for action: The number of hatchery-origin spring chinook that have returned to Klickitat Salmon Hatchery is far below the 500 fish needed to meet the hatchery escapement goal. As of May 28, only 42 adults have been collected for the hatchery program. Closing the river to spring chinook retention will increase the number of hatchery fish available for broodstock and help ensure future hatchery returns. WDFW will continue working with co-managers to monitor the progress of broodstock collection and reopen the fishery if returns indicate that hatchery goals will be met.

Additional information: The Klickitat River remains open from the mouth to the Yakama Reservation boundary for retention of hatchery steelhead. Anglers may retain up to 3 hatchery steelhead per day.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, district fish biologist, 360-906-6746.