SALMON FISHING -- The Yakima Reservation boundary reach of the Yakima River will open to spring chinook fishing on Friday, the Washington Fish and Wildlfie Department announced this afternoon.

The season is set to run through June 30.

Read on for details.

Location:  Yakima River from the Highway 223 Bridge (at Granger) upstream to the Burlington Northern railroad bridge approximately 1,200 feet downstream of Sunnyside (Parker) Diversion Dam (20.9 river miles).

Reason for action:  Yakama Nation (YN) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishery managers are forecasting a harvestable return of adult hatchery spring chinook to the Yakima River in 2011. Opening the “Reservation Boundary Reach” increases opportunity to harvest hatchery spring chinook in one of the most productive sections of the Yakima River for salmon fishing.

• Non-tribal anglers who fish from either river bank (north or south shore), islands or from boats (or other floating devices) in the river reach bordering the Yakama Nation Reservation, extending from the SR 223 Granger Bridge upstream to the Burlington Northern railroad bridge downstream of Sunnyside Dam, must purchase a Yakama Nation tribal fishing permit, in addition to a 2011 WDFW freshwater fishing license and the Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement. This section of river bordering the reservation is open to salmon fishing for non-tribal members courtesy of the Yakama Nation.
• Daily limit of two (2) hatchery chinook.  Minimum size - 12 inches.  Hatchery salmon are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin.  Wild salmon (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release. 
• Special Gear Restriction for all species- Only one, single (point), barbless hook with a hook gap from point to shank of 3/4 inch or less is permitted.  Use of bait is allowed. 
• Night closure in effect.
• Fishing for steelhead remains closed.  All steelhead must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.