Astoria Sturgeon Season Extension

It seems that with all the cold snow melt, the sturgeon season in Astoria didn't go as planned and WDFW and ODFW have reopened the season for retention down there for weekends (Thursday - Sunday) in July.  For those looking just looking for AOTY points, it also looks like you can still C-n-R fish for Sturgeon pretty much year round.

Brian


http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/reg_changes/columbia.asp

Sturgeon

The retention of green sturgeon is prohibited. Anglers are limited to the use of only one single-point barbless hook while angling for white sturgeon. It is unlawful to use lamprey for bait. In all areas, catch-and-release sturgeon angling is allowed during non-retention periods, unless otherwise indicated.

Buoy 10 upstream to Wauna Powerlines (mainstem Columbia River from the Wauna powerlines (River Mile 40) downstream to the mouth at Buoy 10, including Youngs Bay; and all adjacent Washington tributaries)

    * Retention of white sturgeon allowed seven days per week from Saturday May 10, 2008 through Tuesday June 24, 2008 (or until the catch guideline is reached) with a 45-inch minimum size limit in effect.

    * Retention of white sturgeon allowed July 10, 11, and 12 (Thursday – Saturday), July 17, 8, and 19 (Thursday –Saturday), and July 26-27 (Saturday – Sunday) with a 45-inch minimum size limit in effect. Season may close earlier than July 27 or may be extended further, depending on in season catch estimates and available quota.

    * Catch and  release fishing is allowed during periods not open for retention of white sturgeon.

    * Catch limits and other restrictions listed in the current 2008 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations pamphlet remain in effect the entire year.

Thanks for the reminder!  I need some Sturgeon points. 

I may be able to get out one day this weekend if anyone is interested. 

Otherwise I guess I'll have to wait until August.  BTW, when they say   "Catch and  release fishing is allowed during periods not open for retention of white sturgeon." is that the same as having the season open for non-retention?  I guess my AOTY interpretation would be that these non-retention period fish should still count towards points.  Any opinions out there?


Brian

Opinions?

If a CnR season is allowed, I think the species should be AOTY eligible.

My vote would be to allow sturgeon that meet the criteria for "keepers" be valid if caught on non-retention days.

I' ll be down there Saturday evening so I can go anytime Sunday the 13th  through the 20th. I also agree points should count for catch and release during non retention periods.  Since it was too windy to fish much this weekend, I scouted out some more places to launch for sturgeon as well as salmon for buoy 10.

I'll see what I can do about getting Sunday free.