Salmon fishing season in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River opens June 16 and there are some things you need to know before you cast a line. 

The state Department of Fish & Wildlife recently released details on the conditions for this summer’s season, which runs through July 31.  

The agency defines the Hanford Reach as the stretch of river from just below Priest Rapids Dam to Columbia Point in Richland. Fishing is permitted in the area between Columbia Point and the Interstate 182 bridge from June 16 to July 15. From July 16 until the end of the season, fishermen can cast their lines in the waters between the I-182 bridge and Priest Rapids Dam. 

Season rules include: 

• Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit four sockeye. Release all salmon other than sockeye. 

• Anglers can use two poles when fishing for salmon with the two-pole endorsement. 

• Night closure in effect for salmon. 

Additionally, during the first portion of the season, the area between the bridge and Columbia Point is open only to bank fishing with hand-cast lines from shore on the Richland side of the river. Angling for salmon from a vessel and fishing from shore on the Pasco side of the river is closed. 

Barbless hooks are not required when fishing for salmon in this area of the Columbia River. 

With the exception of the “bank fishing only” areas, all waters from the blue bridge to the I-182 bridge are closed to fishing for salmon and steelhead during the summer salmon fishery.  

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.