Action: Opens the Yakima River to fishing for salmon. 

Effective date: Thursday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020.  

Species affected: Chinook and coho salmon. 

Location: From the Hwy. 240 bridge in Richland (river mile 2.1) to the Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser (river mile 47.0) approximately 1,000 feet downstream of Prosser Dam. 

Rules: Minimum size 12". Daily limit of two adults. No limit on jacks. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho. Night closure in effect. Barbless hooks required.  

Reason for action: Fall Chinook are returning to the Yakima River in higher numbers than forecasted. Fall Chinook and coho are expected to be sufficient in numbers to provide a limited sport fishery. 

Additional information: Anglers must stop fishing for salmon once they have retained their adult daily limit.  

All salmon that are not to be kept as part of the daily limit cannot be removed from the water and must be immediately released unharmed. Therefore, anglers should be sure to confirm their catch is a Chinook or coho salmon before removing it from the water.  

Fishing remains closed from 200 feet downstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse/Spillway to 200 feet upstream of the USBR Chandler Powerhouse. 

Fishery managers will continue to monitor the return and announce any additional changes to the fishery if necessary. Before heading out, anglers are encouraged to visit https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/ to check for any in-season rule changes. 

Information contact: Paul Hoffarth, District 4 fish biologist, 509-545-2284.