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Columbia River Sockeye Fishing Season Delayed to Protect Endangered Salmon by Becca Yanez KOIN, June 20, 2026

Columbia River sockeye harvest is managed to provide protection
for the endangered Snake River component of the run

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Fishery managers have delayed the Columbia River sockeye fishing season until at least June 27 after early returns came in lower than expected, Oregon officials said on Thursday.

According to the fishery managers, the season is slated to go from June 27 to July 5. This is to preserve conservation and protect the endangered Snake River sockeye salmon.

"Columbia River sockeye harvest is managed to provide protection for the endangered Snake River component of the run, so we always manage fisheries very carefully. Given the uncertainty in the run size at this point and recognizing the potential for challenging migration conditions this summer, we are taking a precautionary in-season approach to this year's sockeye fishery," said Jeff Whisler, ODFW's Columbia River Fisheries Manager.

The delay is expected to cut harvest by 40 percent, according to officials. However, they encourage anglers to check for action notices and updates.

Related Sites:
Low sockeye salmon returns lead to fishery changes in the Columbia River Washington Dept Fish & Wildlife