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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Some Columbia Sturgeon Must Be Released This Year

All sturgeon hooked in the Columbia River and its tributaries between Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam must be released this season.

Anglers may continue to fish for sturgeon in the reservoir, state fish and wildlife officials said.

The Columbia and its tributaries from The Dalles Dam to McNary Dam will remain open to sturgeon fishing until further notice.

Increased fishing efforts and improved catch rates, especially in the Bonneville reservoir, resulted in early closures the last three years.

Biologists see signs that sturgeon populations are increasing and this year the sport harvest guideline for the Bonneville reservoir was increased from 1,350 to 1,520.

Anglers may catch 200 sturgeon in The Dalles reservoir, compared to 100 last year.

The John Day reservoir catch was increased from 100 to 560 this year.

, DataTimes