In the 2024 Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program, one angler made waves by earning a record-breaking $164,000, shattering previous payout records. Throughout the five-month season, the angler reeled in more than 10,700 pikeminnows, each one helping reduce predation on vulnerable salmon and steelhead smolt in the Columbia and Snake River systems.
Funded by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the annual program incentivizes anglers to target northern pikeminnow, a native species that thrives in reservoirs created by hydroelectric dams. While the fish are naturally part of the ecosystem, their numbers—and appetite for young salmon and steelhead—have surged due to altered river conditions caused by dam operations.
While the program aims to balance predator-prey dynamics and protect struggling salmon and steelhead populations, it remains a debate among conservationists. Critics argue that dam removal, not predator control, would significantly impact fish recovery.
Nevertheless, the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program draws dedicated anglers annually, offering a unique blend of conservation and financial opportunity. For those willing to put in the time, the rewards can be substantial—and, in this case, record-breaking.
To read more about this record-breaking season, check out the full story on Tri-City Herald.
To learn more about the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program and how to participate, visit pikeminnow.org.
