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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Coho fishing extended on middle Yakima River

FISHING -- The fishing season for coho salmon -- both hatchery and wild fish -- is being extended to Nov. 16 in the “middle” Yakima River, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says.

The season extension is for the section of river from the Interstate 82 bridge at Union Gap to the “closed water” line 3,500 feet downstream of Roza Dam

Reason for action:  A record return of coho salmon is returning to the upper Yakima River with more than 20,000 counted passing Prosser Dam through Nov. 3. Yakama Nation and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists agree that sufficient harvestable surplus is available to provide a one-week extension of this fishing opportunity.

Other information:

  • Daily limit of two (2) coho (wild or hatchery)
  • Barbless hooks are required (single-point or multiple-point allowed)
  • During this fishery, the “Selective Gear Rules” prohibiting use of bait and knotted nets is temporarily suspended.
  • Night closure in effect.
  • Fishing for trout and other gamefish closed on October 31 by permanent rule.
  • Fishing for steelhead remains closedAll steelhead (rainbow trout greater than 20” in total length) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
  • A Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement is required to participate in this salmon fishery.
  • Fishing from boats equipped with an internal combustion motor (ICM) is allowed only from the I-82 Bridge at Union Gap to the east-bound (upstream) I-82 bridge at Selah Gap. Boats with an ICM may be used for “transportation only” upstream of the Selah Gap Bridge.
  • Closed to fishing year-round for all species 400 feet upstream from the upstream side of the Yakima Ave./Terrace Heights Rd. bridge in Yakima, including the area adjacent and downstream of the Roza Wasteway No. 2 fish barrier rack next to Morton & Sons Inc.


Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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