CLACKAMAS, Ore. — State fishery officials from Oregon and Washington decided today to allow retention of sturgeon seven days per week on the mainstem Columbia River from Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam beginning Saturday, August 18 through Sunday, September 30.

“Because the sturgeon fishery below Bonneville Dam is managed for harvest over three year intervals, it provides flexibility to add this additional fishing time,” says John North, ODFW Columbia River Fisheries Manager.  “Lower than anticipated catches in 2006 have allowed us to add more time in 2007 and still remain within our management guidelines.”

The affected area is the mainstem Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam, all adjacent Washington tributaries, and the lower Willamette River upstream to Willamette Falls, including Multnomah Channel.

Fish managers set the Columbia River sturgeon fishery harvest guidelines based on recent population estimates, escapement needs, and harvest allocation agreements for Treaty and non-Treaty fisheries.

Additional information may also be found on ODFW's Web page at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/OSCRP/CRM/action_notes.html.