Action: Closes retention of sockeye salmon.

Effective date: Monday, July 19, 2021.

Species affected: Sockeye salmon.

Location: Columbia River, from I-182 Bridge at Richland to Chief Joseph Dam.

Reason for action: Recreational anglers are expected to harvest the in-season sockeye salmon catch quota by the end of Sunday, July 18, 2021. The sockeye catch quota was originally 10,900 fish based on a pre-season run size estimate of 155,600. In early July, the U.S. v. Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) downgraded the run size to 149,600, decreasing the allowable catch quota to approximately 7,500 fish.

Additional information: Summer Chinook salmon fishing remains open in the Hanford Reach and above Priest Rapids Dam as detailed in the 2021-22 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet (https://www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/).

Information contact: Call the Ephrata regional office at 509-754-4624 or email TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov, or the Yakima regional office at 509-575-2740 or email TeamYakima@dfw.wa.gov.