OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released a new management plan designed to protect and restore rockfish populations in Puget Sound.

The Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation plan includes policies, strategies and actions designed to help restore and maintain abundance, distribution, diversity and long-term productivity of rockfish populations in Puget Sound.

OLYMPIA - The fishery for hatchery-reared spring chinook salmon has been extended through May 1 on a section of the Columbia River stretching 163.5 miles above Bonneville Dam.

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon agreed Wednesday to extend the fishery - previously scheduled through April 24 - citing poor fishing conditions that also curbed catch rates on the lower Columbia River.

Action: Temporary closure of Hood Park Pond to public fishing (near the mouth of the Snake River) to allow for a kids fishing event.
Species affected: Game fish.
Dates: April 20 through April 23, 2011.

Action:
(1) Below Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) upstream to Bonneville Dam:
• May 1-May 13 - Sturgeon retention prohibited.
• May 14-Jun 26 - White sturgeon retention allowed 7 days per week, 41-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum. size.

Action:
(1) Below Wauna power lines (near Cathlamet) downstream to the mouth :
• May 1-May 13 - Sturgeon retention prohibited.
• May 14-Jun 26 - White sturgeon retention allowed 7 days per week, 41-inch fork length minimum size and 54-inch fork length maximum. size.