Fishing and hunting in Oregon will return to nearly normal today.
Oregon and Washington authorized reopening of limited salmon and steelhead fishing seasons on the Columbia River beginning today.
Oregon also announced it will resume allowing non-residents to fish in state waters and hunt on the same day.
However, the non-resident ban in Oregon will continue for shellfish, including crabbing and clam digging.
Today’s date matches Washington’s previously announced resumption Tuesday of fishing, hunting and most boating.
Columbia managers in both states said while the spring chinook salmon run is well below normal, it will allow for some fishing.
Managers set Tuesday (May 5), Thursday ( May 7), Saturday (May 9) and Wednesday (May 13) as spring chinook fishing days. The limit will be a single hatchery fish per day. The area will be from Warrior Rock upriver to the Oregon/Washington state line.
There will be no summer chinook fishing season, but the states approved steelhead and sockeye fishing riverwide (from Tongue Point upriver), beginning May 16.
With the reopening of Washington’s freshwater fishing, officials in both states said reciprocity will return for angling on the jointly shared waters of the Columbia River. It will apply to all fisheries except crabbing.
Several caveats accompany fishing and hunting in both states:
• Neither state will limit the numbers of anglers per boat, but will rely on operators for safe practices.
• Check access. Not all boat ramps are open.
• Stay close to home. Very little overnight lodging may be available.
• Restrooms in most locations are limited or closed. Bring your own soap, sanitizer, toilet paper, food, etc.
• STAY HOME if you’re sick.
• Avoid crowds.
• Social distancing is still important.
• Wash your hands often.
• Pack out what you pack in.
