Sturgeon fishing has resumed in the Columbia River basin, ending a moratorium that began in mid-July due to warm water temperatures.
Temperatures have returned to normal, said Guy Norman, regional manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
More than 80 sturgeon were killed during the heat wave.
“The extreme conditions that was subjecting sturgeon to stress have passed,’’ Norman said. “We believe it’s safe to reopen fishing in areas of the river closed since mid-July.’’
Anglers now may catch and release sturgeon in the Columbia and its tributaries upstream of Bonneville Dam. No sturgeon retention seasons currently are open.
East Fork Lewis, Washougal — Washington has rescinded its fishing restrictions on the East Fork of the Lewis and Washougal rivers.
Oregon — Oregon has reopened the lower Willamette River downstream of Willamette Falls and the Clackamas River downstream of Interstate 205 for salmon, steelhead and trout fishing.
The state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife also has ended the afternoon fishing ban on more rivers and streams.
“Our biologists in the field are reporting that water temperatures in most places are back to within the seasonal averages for this time of year,’’ said Mike Gauvin, recreational fisheries manager.
