Action: Closes spring Chinook salmon fishing on the Snake River.

Effective date: May 13, 2023.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

Locations:

A) Below Little Goose Dam: Snake River from Texas Rapids boat launch (located on the south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River) to the fishing restriction boundary below Little Goose Dam. This zone includes both shores and the rock and concrete area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and Little Goose Dam along the south shoreline of the facility (includes the walkway area locally known as "the Wall" in front of the juvenile collection facility).

B) Below Ice Harbor Dam: Snake River from the South Bound Highway 12 Bridge near Pasco upstream about 7 miles to the fishing restriction boundary below Ice Harbor Dam.

Reason for action: Current spring Chinook salmon allocation for the Snake is based on the pre-season forecast as there has not been a run size update yet. Fish passage appears to be delayed throughout the system based on water conditions (temperature and flow). The fishery is closing to allow for staff to assess catch information and determine the remaining allocation for this fishery.

Additional information: This rule closes all spring Chinook salmon fishing in the Snake River.

Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist, 509-382-1005.