[ODFW-News] Ocean salmon season north of Cape Falcon expands to seven days a week

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Information and Education: (503) 947-6002	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	

For Immediate Release	Friday, July 16, 2004

Ocean salmon season north of Cape Falcon expands to seven days a week

PORTLAND - State and federal fishery managers today decided to expand
the ocean salmon season to seven days a week starting Friday, July 23,
from Cape Falcon near Manzanita north to Leadbetter Point in Washington
and to relax the daily bag limit to include up to two chinook. 

Managers took today's action because fishing effort has been light
and the estimated catch is well  below the season  quota. As of July 11,
biologists report that catch rates have been good with an average of 1.5
fish per angler but estimate that only 300 chinook and 7,500 coho have
been caught. The allowed season harvest is 8,000 chinook and 101,250
coho. 

Currently, the season is open Sunday through Thursday and the two fish
daily bag limit may include only one chinook. Starting July 23, the
season is open seven days per week with a daily limit of two salmon per
day. All retained coho must have a healed adipose fin-clip. Minimum
sizes are 26 inches for chinook and 16 inches for coho.

Anglers are reminded that the area from Cape Falcon north to Tillamook
Head closes to salmon angling Friday, Aug. 1. 

The popular "Buoy 10" salmon fishery at the mouth of the Columbia
opens Friday, Aug. 1, with a two salmon daily catch limit, only one of
which may be a chinook. 

Additional information on ocean salmon fishing regulations may be
obtained in the 2004 Oregon Ocean Salmon and Halibut Sport Fishing
Regulations. The green pamphlet is available at license agents and
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offices. Information also is
posted to the ODFW Web site at:
http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/odfw/regs/salsport.html.
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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002