[ODFW-News] Harvest of wild coho near quota in coastal lake

[ODFW News]

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

For Immediate Release	November 2, 2004

Harvest of wild coho near quota in coastal lake

NEWPORT - The first full fishing season in more than 10 years for wild
coastal coho may close soon in Siltcoos Lake because the harvest quota
will be met, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.


Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes near the town of Florence were opened for
the harvest of wild coho Oct. 1. The season was authorized by ODFW in
cooperation with NOAA Fisheries because it targets fish from two healthy
runs and is managed conservatively to assure protection of the resource.
The season in each lake is scheduled to extend through Dec. 31 or
attainment of the harvest quota. The two lakes are managed
independently. 
 
"If current catch rates continue or increase, anglers can expect to
see Siltcoos Lake close to coho salmon fishing sometime in the next few
weeks," said Bob Buckman, district fish biologist for the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife. "However, because this is a new
fishery, the catch pattern is difficult to predict."

The fishery on Siltcoos Lake has picked up over the last two weeks,
which has pushed the adult coho harvest estimate to about 300 fish as of
Oct. 31. The harvest quota is 600 adult coho. Historically, November was
the peak coho catch month on Siltcoos Lake. 

Tahkenitch Lake has a harvest quota of 400 adult coho. The coho fishery
on Tahkenitch Lake has been relatively slow with little angling pressure
targeting coho, according to Buckman. Tahkenitch Lake will continue to
offer anglers an opportunity to harvest coho salmon. 

Anglers can check the ODFW Web site for information on a closure at
www.dfw.state.or.us. Anglers also may call the Newport ODFW Office,
(541) 867-4741, or ODFW Headquarters in Salem, (800) 704-6339, Ext.
76001. A news release will be issued before a closure at either lake. 
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