The mainstem Columbia River from the I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam, The Dalles Pool, and the John Day Pool will open March 16 for retention of adipose fin-clipped chinook. Chinook with adipose fins intact must be released immediately. The fishing season from the I-5 Bridge downstream to Buoy 10 will be extended.

Effective date: The mainstem Columbia River from I-5 Bridge to Bonneville Dam, The Dalles and John Day pools will open March 16 through May 15, or until the upriver impact guideline is achieved. The season from the I-5 Bridge downstream to Buoy 10 will be extended effective April 1 through May 15, or until the upriver impact guideline is achieved.

Species affected: Spring chinook

Location: Columbia River from Buoy 10 to Bonneville Dam; The Dalles Pool, John Day Pool.

Reason for action: A management agreement for spring chinook was signed in 2001 allowing for selective fishing for adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) spring chinook in the Columbia River, while minimizing impacts to protected wild fish.

Other information: The Columbia River is currently only open below the I-5 Bridge. All areas could close prior to May 15 if the impact guideline on upriver spring chinook is reached sooner. Hatchery steelhead and shad may be kept in addition to adipose fin-clipped spring chinook. Salmon daily limit is six fish; no more than two adults, with a minimum size of 12 inches. Trout (including hatchery steelhead) daily limit is two fish, with a minimum size of 12 inches. Wild steelhead must be released. Wild cutthroat must be released below Bonneville Dam. There is no daily limit for shad in Washington.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license and catch record card. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet or the Fishing Section of the WDFW webpage at http:www.wa.gov/wdfw for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (866) 880-5431.