News Release
| Release Number: | 00-085 |
| Dated: | 5/18/2000 |
| Contact: | Public Affairs Office, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.—Starting Sunday, May 21, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is extending the hours at most fishing areas at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Summer hours will be from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Labor Day, Sept. 4. The dam is located on the Columbia River 40 miles east of Portland, Ore.
These later hours apply to fishing areas at Bradford and Robins islands and Tanner Creek on the Oregon shore and Hamilton Island, Fort Cascades, and North Shore day-use areas on the Washington shore. Cascades Island on the Washington shore will close at 8 p.m. Although sturgeon fishing is not permitted from Cascades Island, it is a popular place to fish for shad.
The Hamilton Island boat ramp is accessible 24 hours a day.
Although access to the North Shore day-use areas has been reopened, no overnight parking will be allowed anywhere on the grounds. These areas were closed three years ago during construction on the fish bypass system. Visitors who want to stay near these fishing areas may camp at local private, county, state, and federal facilities. This change has been made because of safety and security concerns. A new campground to be built on Hamilton Island is being designed and should be open in time for the Lewis and Clark commemoration.
Boaters are reminded of the permanent change to the Boat Restricted Zone below the dam. The downstream boundary of the zone begins at the westernmost tip of Robins Island and extends across the river to the area immediately upstream of the Hamilton Island boat ramp. No boats are allowed in the area upstream of these two points for safety reasons.
All state fishing regulations apply, and a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy is in effect. Open fires are not allowed, but portable grills may be used.
Visitor centers at the navigation lock and on Bradford Island, both on the Oregon side of the dam, and the Washington Shore Visitor Complex will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. The navigation lock Visitor Center features exhibits and videos about the lock. The Bradford Island Visitor Center includes historical exhibits, theaters, and special underwater views of the fish ladder. Underwater views of the fish ladder and self-guided walks through the powerhouse are available at the Washington Shore Visitor Complex.
Please call the Bonneville Lock and Dam Ranger Station (541) 374-8344 for more information.