Earning $164,000 from fishing sounds unbelievable, but that’s exactly what happened during the 2024 Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program. With generous payouts and rising participation, the program saw record-breaking earnings and an early closure due to its immense popularity.
How the Northern Pikeminnow Reward Program Works
The Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program, managed by the Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife, offers financial incentives for anglers to target pikeminnow, a predator known for preying on young salmon and steelhead. To protect vulnerable salmon populations, the program pays up to $10 per fish, with special bonuses for tagged catches.
In 2024, the program became an incredible side income opportunity, drawing anglers to the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Due to favorable conditions and a streamlined phone app registration process, participation surged, leading to record payouts.
Record Earnings and Participation Surge in 2024
For the first time in the program’s 34-year history, the $1.7 million reward fund was exhausted early, causing the program to end five days ahead of schedule. The top angler of the season earned a staggering $164,000 by catching 16,150 pikeminnow. The second-place participant wasn’t far behind, hauling in over 9,000 fish and earning $91,300.
Top 10 Earners in the 2024 Pikeminnow Program
| Rank | Fish Qty | Tags | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16,150 | 0 | $164,260 |
| 2 | 9,034 | 0 | $91,300 |
| 3 | 7,363 | 0 | $74,190 |
| 4 | 5,076 | 0 | $50,920 |
| 5 | 4,968 | 0 | $49,640 |
| 6 | 4,555 | 0 | $46,310 |
| 7 | 4,620 | 0 | $46,160 |
| 8 | 4,336 | 0 | $44,120 |
| 9 | 4,125 | 1 | $42,500 |
| 10 | 3,808 | 0 | $38,630 |
Why Is Pikeminnow Control Important?
“Northern pikeminnow are voracious predators,” said John Hone, a fisheries biologist. “Reducing their population helps improve salmon survival rates.” Pikeminnow feed aggressively on juvenile salmon, consuming millions of young fish each year. By incentivizing anglers to catch them, the program ensures a healthier balance in the Columbia River Basin ecosystem.
Best Pikeminnow Fishing Locations in 2024
Anglers had success at several key locations along the Columbia River, including:
- Columbia Point Park
- Bateman Island
- Hanford Reach
- Mouth of the Umatilla River
Additionally, areas downstream from dams proved to be productive spots, particularly for shore anglers.
Conservation through Angling: A Win-Win
Since its launch in 1991, the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program has removed more than 5.2 million pikeminnow, reducing juvenile salmon predation by nearly 40%. Funded by the Bonneville Power Administration, the program benefits both the environment and anglers seeking extra income.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, experienced and aspiring anglers are already gearing up, aiming to top the new $164,000 record while contributing to the conservation of iconic river ecosystems.
Image/Source: SI
