2020 Columbia River Mainstem Commercial Smelt Fishery
COLUMBIA RIVER ACTION NOTICE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife January 28, 2020
The following action was taken:
2020 Mainstem Commercial Smelt Fishery
Season: Mondays and Thursdays (5 AM to 5 PM) from February 3 through February 27.
Area: Zones 1-3
Gear: Gillnet only. Mesh size may not exceed two inches stretch measure. Nets may not
exceed 1,500 feet in length along the cork line.
Allowable Sales: Smelt
Misc. Regulations:
Multiple net rule in effect: Which means nets not specifically authorized for use in this
fishery may be on-board the vessel if properly stored. A properly stored net is defined
as a net on a drum that is fully covered by a tarp (canvas or plastic) and bound with a
minimum of ten revolutions of rope with a diameter of 3/8 (0.375) inches or greater.
24-hour quick reporting required for Washington buyers, pursuant to WAC 220-352-315.
Oregon buyers are required to electronically submit fish receiving tickets pursuant to
OAR 635-006-0210. Electronic fish tickets must be submitted within 24 hours of
closure of the fishing period, or within 24 hours of landing for fishing periods lasting
more than 24 hours.
FUTURE MEETINGS
• A Compact hearing is scheduled for 10 AM February 11, 2020 via teleconference to
consider Select Area (winter-summer) and treaty commercial fisheries.
• A Joint State hearing is scheduled for 10 AM February 19, 2020 at the Shilo Inn (11707 NE
Airport Way, Portland, OR) to consider mainstem Columbia River recreational spring
Chinook fisheries.