Strong forecast for projected salmon return
By the Herald staff
Published: 03/06/10 9:21 am | Updated: 03/06/10 9:22 am
OLYMPIA -- A projected strong chinook salmon return to the Columbia River this summer could bolster fishing prospects in the river and off the Washington coast, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, pink and chum salmon -- developed by the department and treaty Indian trbes -- mark the starting point for developing 2010 salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River and Washington coastal areas.
Fishery managers have scheduled a series of public meetings over the next few weeks to discuss potential fishing opportunities before finalizing seasons in mid-April.
Phil Anderson, director of Fish and Wildlife, said staff will work closely with tribal co-managers and constituents to develop fisheries that meet conservation objectives and provide fishing opportunities on abundant runs of wild and hatchery fish.
Fishery managers will consider adding new mark-selective fisheries, which allow anglers to catch and keep abundant hatchery salmon but require that they release wild salmon, said Pat Pattillo, salmon policy coordinator for the department.
Nearly 653,000 fall chinook are predicted to make their way along the Washington coast to the Columbia River this season, about 234,000 more chinook than last year's actual return.
The increased numbers represent abundant returns to Spring Creek and other Columbia River hatcheries. But the expected Columbia River coho return is expected to be down this year.
Nearly 390,000 Columbia River coho are projected to make their way along Washington's coast this year, compared to one million coho in 2009.
"The Columbia River coho return is down compared to last year's run, which was one of the largest returns we've seen in the last decade," Pattillo said. "But there should still be decent coho fishing opportunities in the ocean and the Columbia River this year."
ITS OUR PASSION TO FISH AND GET OUT OF DOORS...PLEASE...FISH LEGAL OR GET OFF THE RIVER!
