[ODFW-News] Spring chinook fisheries appear strong for 2005, panel hears Fish and Wildlife Commission amends Developmental Fisheries rules

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 657-2000, Ext. 285	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 657-2050
	

For Immediate Release	Friday, Dec. 10, 2004

Spring chinook fisheries appear strong for 2005, panel hears
Fish and Wildlife Commission amends Developmental Fisheries rules

SALEM - The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Friday received the first glimpse of next year's spring chinook returns and learned that fishing opportunities will be similar to those of 2004. 

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists predict strong returns of spring chinook to the Columbia and coastal rivers, which will provide good fishing opportunities for hatchery-bred fish. The Commission heard that between 200,000 and 250,000 "upriver" Columbia spring chinook are expected to return in 2005, compared to the 2004 actual return of 193,800 fish. More than 100,000 spring chinook will likely return to the Willamette River compared to 2004's record run of 143,700 fish. Returns to north coast rivers and the Rogue River are expected to be similar to 2004.

In 2004, angler trips to target the highly-prized spring chinook numbered 156,100 in the Lower Columbia River and 110,800 in the Lower Willamette. More than 35,000 spring chinook were taken home by anglers in the two fisheries. In addition, Columbia River commercial boats harvested more than 23,000 fish from the lower Columbia River. 

Rules to open recreational and commercial spring chinook fishing seasons on the Columbia River will be set in late January. Rules for other recreational spring chinook fishing seasons are listed in the 2005 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. 

The Commission also heard a preview of the 2005 Columbia River sturgeon seasons. A proposal will be considered by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission that is identical to the 2004 seasons. A final decision will be made in February. 

In other action, the Commission heard:
* A draft proposal to require anglers who have lost their combined angling card to purchase a duplicate at ODFW offices. The proposal will be considered in February at the request of anglers who have complained that some people purposely lose their cards to avoid annual harvest limits for wild salmon, sturgeon and/or halibut.
* Amended rules for new applicants to the hagfish fishery and for commercial fishermen who seek to transfer harvest permits in the Developmental Fisheries program from one boat to another.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets monthly. By mid-day Friday, the Commission was part way through its agenda. The Commission was scheduled to make a decision on the 2005 groundfish seasons and hear public testimony on a draft plan for wolf conservation and management before the end of the day. Additional information will be released later. 

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002