RIDGEFIELD – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are seeking applications and nominations for membership on the Columbia River Recreational Fishing Advisory Group and Columbia River Commercial Fishing Advisory Group.
The departments will select up to 20 advisors for each group to serve three-year terms from Jan. 2027 through Dec. 2029. Current advisors may reapply and may be reappointed.
The Columbia River Recreational Fishing Advisory Group will provide input to department staff on the development and implementation of recreational salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon fisheries in the Columbia River, including fisheries jointly managed by Oregon and Washington from Buoy 10 upstream to the Highway 395 Bridge at Pasco, Washington.
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The Columbia River Commercial Fishing Advisory Group will provide input on the development and implementation of commercial fisheries in the Columbia River, including Select Area fisheries. Advisors will represent commercial fishing interests throughout the lower Columbia River and Select Area sites in both states.
Advisors should have firsthand knowledge of and experience in Columbia River fisheries, be willing to engage in the fishery management process, and be able to communicate effectively with fishery managers. Advisors are also expected to communicate fishery information and policy decisions to constituents. Applicants do not need to be affiliated with an organized group.
Applications and nominations must be received by Nov. 1, 2026. Oregon residents may submit applications and nominations to ODFW by email to crista.a.gortmaker@odfw.wa.gov or by mail to ODFW, Attn: Crista Gortmaker, 14020 Southeast Johnson Road, Suite 205, Portland, OR 97267. Washington residents may submit applications and nominations to WDFW by email to shirly.cummings@dfw.wa.gov or by mail to WDFW, Attn: Shirly Cummings, 5525 South 11th Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642. WDFW and ODFW will notify selected candidates in December.
Applications are open to all, and any group or individual can nominate a candidate. Applications and nominations must include the following:
- A resume for the applicant or nominee.
- Applicant or nominee name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Relevant Columbia River fishing experience, including area, season, and years of experience, and reasons for wanting to serve.
- Applicant or nominee’s ability to communicate with fishers, anglers, and other constituents.
- Affiliations with fishery-related organizations or businesses.
- Name and contact information for the individual or organization submitting the nomination, if applicable.
Each advisory group is expected to meet about four times per year, with additional meetings or conference calls as needed. Most meetings are scheduled in the spring and winter. Meetings may be held virtually, by conference call, or in person. Meetings for both groups will include participation in the Columbia River Compact and joint state processes as appropriate. Recreational advisors will also participate in the North of Falcon season-setting process.
Detailed information about applying or nominating someone to serve on either advisory group, including advisor requirements, member expectations, and contact information, is available in the Columbia River Recreational Fishing Advisory Group (PDF) and Columbia River Commercial Fishing Advisory Group (PDF) application information documents.
Compensation and reimbursements
Advisory committees are a unique opportunity for people to share their knowledge and expertise with state agencies. To reduce barriers to engagement, the state offers compensation for committee members’ time and reimbursements for childcare and adult care. WDFW follows the guidelines from the Office of Equity (PDF) for compensation and reimbursements.
All members of the public are invited to apply regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.
Those interested in joining are also encouraged to review the WDFW Advisory Group handbook and the advisory groups and committees webpage on the WDFW website for background information.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
