OAR 635-042-0133: Sturgeon Size

(1) White sturgeon with a fork length of 44-50 inches may be taken for commercial purposes from the mainstem Columbia River and Select Areas downstream of Bonneville Dam during commercial salmon and sturgeon fishing seasons with the same fishing gear authorized for the taking of salmon or sturgeon. (2) Length of a commercially caught sturgeon shall be defined as the shortest distance between the tip of the nose and the fork between the upper and lower lobes of the caudal fin (tail) while the fish lies on its side on a flat surface with its tail in a normal position. (3) It is unlawful to: (a) Mutilate or disfigure a sturgeon in any manner which extends or shortens its length to the legal limit, or to possess such sturgeon; (b) Remove the head or tail of any sturgeon taken for commercial purposes prior to being received at the premises of a wholesale fish dealer or canner; (c) Have in possession any white sturgeon with a fork length less than 44 inches or greater than 50 inches. (d) Fail to return to the water immediately and unharmed, any green sturgeon, any white sturgeon not of lawful size, or any white sturgeon taken in excess of any commercial catch or possession limits prescribed by Department rule.