WSR 26-03-016
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-07—Filed January 9, 2026, 11:57 a.m., effective January 10, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: January 10, 2026.
Purpose: This emergency rule closes white sturgeon retention in the Columbia River from John Day Dam to McNary Dam and maintains previously announced Columbia River sturgeon retention closures.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-316-01000C; and amending WAC 220-316-010.
Under RCW
34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: This rule is needed to close recreational white sturgeon retention in the John Day reservoir. Given the catches to date, current catch rate, and effort, there is insufficient harvest guideline to remain open as previously scheduled per permanent rule. These populations are managed under sustainable harvest guidelines. This action is consistent with decisions made by the states of Washington and Oregon during the Columbia River Compact hearing on January 8, 2026. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: January 9, 2026.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-316-01000DSturgeon—Areas, seasons, limits and unlawful acts.
Effective January 10 through April 30, 2026, the provisions of WAC 220-316-010 regarding white sturgeon retention seasons from Bonneville Dam to John Day Dam are modified as listed in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-316-010 not addressed in this section remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
From Bonneville Dam upstream to McNary Dam, including adjacent tributaries:
White sturgeon: Closed to retention. Catch and release fishing only.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective January 10, 2026:
WAC 220-316-01000C | Sturgeon—Areas, seasons, limits and unlawful acts. (Order 25-285) |