OREGON DEPT. OF FISH & WILDLIFE: Columbia River sturgeon retention opens for one day on Feb. 16 in Bonneville and The Dalles pools  

Due to warmer-than-normal winter water temperatures, increased angling effort, and high catch rates in recent years, fishery managers employed a new delayed approach to these sturgeon retention fisheries starting in 2026.

While water temperatures have cooled off relative to Jan. 1, they are higher than average for this time of year, leading to the possibility of good catch and effort. This led managers to take a conservative approach to the February sturgeon retention openers in Bonneville Pool and The Dalles Pool. Managers will review catches after the open day and use the results to determine the potential for additional opportunity this winter.

Anglers are reminded that this year’s sturgeon retention fishery in John Day Pool closed effective January 10.

Bonneville Pool

• Season: Monday, Feb. 16

• Area: Mainstem Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam, and all adjacent tributaries

• Allowable catch: White sturgeon. Legal size: 38-inch minimum and 54-inch maximum fork length (Fork length is measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the caudal fin (tail) with the fish laying on its side on a flat surface, with the tape measure/ruler positioned flat under the fish)

• Daily bag limit: One fish (applicable to any/all sturgeon retention fisheries)

• Annual bag limit: Two fish (applicable to any/all sturgeon retention fisheries)

The Dalles Pool

• Season: Monday, Feb. 16

• Area: Mainstem Columbia River from The Dalles Dam to John Day Dam, and all adjacent tributaries

• Allowable catch: White sturgeon. Legal size: 43-inch minimum and 54-inch maximum fork length (Fork length is measured in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the caudal fin (tail) with the fish laying on its side on a flat surface, with the tape measure/ruler positioned flat under the fish)

• Daily bag limit: One fish (applicable to any/all sturgeon retention fisheries)

• Annual bag limit: Two fish (applicable to any/all sturgeon retention fisheries)

For information concerning these decisions, see the Feb. 11, 2026 Winter Fact Sheet No. 5b.

Anglers should be aware of changes to Columbia Zone regulations appearing in Oregon’s 2026 Sport Fishing Regulation book, such as having all Columbia River sturgeon retention fisheries closed unless opened via in-season action.