Oregon and Washington fishery managers are restricting Chinook retention to hatchery fish at Buoy 10 from August 25 through September 2, after early-season catches more than doubled initial projections.
The regulation change aims to preserve harvest opportunities in fisheries upriver that are just starting, according to Jeff Whisler, Columbia River Fisheries Manager for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. "Buoy 10 is running hot this year and if nothing is done to adjust, we will exceed planned Chinook harvest for this fishery, which could cause other in-river fisheries to close early," Whisler said.
During the first nine days of the season, when anglers could retain any adult Chinook, catches exceeded expectations, prompting the modification. Under the new rule, only hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho may be retained at Buoy 10. The daily adult bag limit remains two salmon, but only one may be a Chinook.
Fishery managers said they will continue to monitor catches and be prepared to make additional modifications if necessary.