OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a temporary reopening of the Snake River spring Chinook salmon fishery for four days in early June 2025. The decision follows an updated forecast showing a stronger-than-expected upriver spring Chinook run.
Two river segments will open on different dates:
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Below Little Goose Dam – from the Texas Rapids boat launch upstream to the fishing restriction boundary: open Tuesday and Friday, June 3 and 6.
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Below Ice Harbor Dam – from the South Bound Highway 12 Bridge near Pasco upstream to the boundary below Ice Harbor Dam: open Wednesday and Thursday, June 4 and 5.
Anglers will be permitted to retain up to four hatchery (adipose-clipped) Chinook salmon per day, including no more than one adult. All non-hatchery Chinook, bull trout, and steelhead must be released unharmed. Barbless hooks are required, and the night closure rule remains in effect.
WDFW said the fishery complies with federal management guidelines under the U.S. v. Oregon agreement and Endangered Species Act protections. The spring Chinook allocation now allows for 957 additional catches in the Snake River system.
Officials remind anglers to check for emergency rule updates and carry a valid Washington fishing license. Additional details and updates can be found at wdfw.wa.gov.
For more information, contact District 3 Fish Biologist Jeremy Trump at 509-382-1005.