Additional sturgeon fishing days added

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. — Fishermen will be able to catch and keep sturgeon on a section of the lower Columbia River for four more days in September.

Fisheries managers for Oregon and Washington announced Wednesday, Sept. 15, that fishermen will be able to retain sturgeon on the Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam (on Sept. 19, 22, 25 and 29.

The additional catch days follow a lower-than-expected harvest after the initial Sept. 11 opening, officials said, noting fishermen kept an estimated 347 legal-size fish out of a possible 1,230.

"Catches were slower than expected on the first day of the sturgeon fishery, and these extra days should offer anglers some good opportunities to reel in one of these remarkable fish," state Department of Fish and Wildlife sturgeon lead Laura Heironimus said. "Catches tend to slow down as the month goes on, so we're confident these additional days will maximize opportunity while keeping us within our quota."

Fishermen can keep one white sturgeon between 44-50 inches in length, per day or two during the season..

One single-point, barbless hooks are required for sturgeon fishing, officials said.

Federally protected green sturgeon must be released, officials said.