Salmon fishing closes in Upper Columbia, Entiat rivers

OLYMPIA — Salmon fishing in sections of the Upper Columbia River and Entiat River closed Aug. 2 after state fishery managers determined the Chinook harvest allocation for the upper Columbia had been reached.

The closure will remain in effect through Aug. 31, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Affected areas include the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to the Corps of Engineers safety marker on the Douglas County shore to the rock jetty at the upstream shoreline of Foster Creek, and the Entiat River from its mouth at the railroad bridge to the Mad River Bridge near Ardenvoir.

“This action is necessary to ensure we meet conservation objectives for Chinook salmon,” WDFW said in its announcement.

Sockeye retention remains open in Lake Wenatchee through Aug. 31. Fishing for fall Chinook will open Sept. 1 from Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam, as outlined in the 2025-26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet (https://www.eregulations.com/washington/fishing/).