CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Sturgeon retention will close at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 26 on the Columbia River and associated tributaries, from the John Day Dam upstream to the McNary Dam (John Day Reservoir). The retention closure remains in effect through the end of the year.

This stretch of the river is managed for a recreational harvest guideline of 165 white sturgeon. Current projections indicate the recreational fishery in the John Day Reservoir will meet the guideline Tuesday, March 25. 

Catch-and-release angling for sturgeon in this stretch of the Columbia is allowed throughout the remainder of the year, except from May 1- July 31, when sturgeon angling is prohibited from the Hwy 82 Bridge (Hwy 395) upstream to McNary Dam to protect oversize spawning sturgeon. Catch-and-release sturgeon angling in this sanctuary area re-opens Aug. 1.