License-Free Days Across Northwest
Each week we round-up the top fishing news from the Northwest and beyond. Do you have a news tip? E-mail us at news /at/ salmonuniversity.com.
“Free Fishing” in Washington and Oregon this Weekend; Idaho and B.C. to Follow
The Washington and Oregon departments of fish and wildlife have scheduled a free fishing weekend this weekend, June 6 and 7. No license is required to fish in any waters otherwise open to fishing in the two states. In addition, in Washington state, no vehicle access pass or Discover Pass will 
be required at any of the 700 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Oregon, meanwhile, will host five “family fishing events” around the state on Saturday, June 6; a complete list is available here.
Further east, the Gem State will host a free fishing day on June 13. Like Oregon, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will also use the occasion to schedule a series of introductory fishing events for novice anglers.
Canadian citizens and legal residents can participate in British Columbia’s “Family Fishing Weekend” which is June 19, 20 and 21. According to the Family Fishing Society of B.C., eligible anglers do not need a freshwater license for fishing in lakes, non-tidal rivers, and streams in the province (saltwater fishing is not included in the British Columbia event).
Spring Chinook Catch Limit Increased on Columbia River
Beginning June 3, Columbia River anglers will be allowed two adult spring chinook salmon per day fishing from the estuary to a point 300 miles upstream. The increased limit was announced by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on Monday. All wild chinook salmon and steelhead with intact adipose fins must be released unharmed.
“Daily fish counts at Bonneville Dam are still in the thousands, which allows us to increase catch levels for hatchery fish,” said Ron Roler, the department’s Columbia River policy coordinator, in a written statement. “It’s a strong finish to a great run.”
The new rule will allow anglers to catch and keep up to two hatchery chinook salmon, or two hatchery steelhead, or one of each per day from the Tongue Point/Rocky Point line in the lower river up to the Washington/Oregon state line, 17 miles upriver from McNary Dam.
Mark Gavin to Teach Free Seminar on Upper Columbia Sockeye and King Salmon Fishing
Salmon University columnist Mark Gavin will present a free seminar covering opportunities and techniques for three Upper Columbia River fisheries on June 9 in Tacoma, Wash. Gavin will discuss the Summer Sockeye fishery, the Summer King (AKA “June Hogs”) fishery, and the world famous Fall King (AKA “Upriver Brights”) fishery, as well as provide details on run timing, the best places to fish, proven tactics, plus guide secrets to improve on-the-water success. Time, location, and other details are available here.
Gavin’s seminar comes as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announces a new Columbia River fishery. Under new WDFW rules published this week, anglers will enjoy a daily limit of three salmon in the Columbia River from the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco to the Interstate 182 Bridge at Richland near Columbia Point, while a daily limit of eight salmon will be allowed from the Interstate 182 Bridge at Richland near Columbia Point to the Priest Rapids Dam.
One-Day Shrimping in Washington Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a one-day reopening of shrimping in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 on Wednesday, June 24. Shrimp fishing will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. that day. According to the department, all non-spot fishing gear must be removed from the area by the evening of Tuesday, June 23, and can be reset on Thursday, June 25.
Silver Horde Launches June “Best by Test” Photo Competition
Silver Horde has launched the June edition of its “Best by Test Angler of the Month” contest. To enter, anglers must email a photo of a fish caught on a Silver Horde, Gold Star, or Yamashita lure (with the lure in picture) to BestByTest@silverhorde.com. A single winner will be featured on the cover of Silver Horde’s Facebook page and receive a Silver Horde Gold Star t-shirt, hat, and lure care pack. The winner of May’s “Best by Test” contest was Dan Hatchard from Vicious Fish Charters of British Columbia.
Cascadia flag image courtesy Ray Terrill. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
