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Columbia River salmon, steelhead fisheries reopen Jan. 1

In this photo taken Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, brothers Judah, left, and Harrison Ellis watch salmon swim past viewing windows at a fish ladder where salt water transitions to fresh at the Ballard Locks in Seattle. Salmon and steelhead angling will remain closed from Buoy 10 to Hwy. 395 at Pasco through Dec. 31 on the Columbia River. Most tributaries remain open for salmon and steelhead fishing, but anglers are reminded to check for emergency fishing rule changes before heading out. (Elaine Thompson / AP)
By Eli Francovich elif@spokesman.com(509) 459-5508

Salmon and steelhead angling will remain closed from Buoy 10 to Hwy. 395 at Pasco through Dec. 31 on the Columbia River. Most tributaries remain open for salmon and steelhead fishing, but anglers are reminded to check for emergency fishing rule changes before heading out.

The fall fishery was closed after poor chinook returns. The rare closure of most of the Columbia River to salmon fishing is largely the result of a double whammy of bad weather and bad ocean conditions in 2015.

Winter steelhead and spring chinook seasons will open Jan. 1 after the fall chinook run is no longer present.

For information, call Region 3 (509) 575-2740, or Region 5 (360) 696-6211.