[ODFW-News] Catch rates improve for Buoy 10 salmon anglers

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife


Contact: Anne Pressentin Young 503-657-2000        

Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us <http://www.dfw.state.or.us/>   Fax:
503-657-2050

               

 


For Immediate Release 


Thursday, August 25, 2005


 


Catch rates improve for Buoy 10 salmon anglers


Anglers averaging more than one chinook salmon per boat

 

CLACKAMAS - One of the most popular salmon seasons of the year got off
to a slow start, but catch rates have jumped significantly in recent
days, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported today.

 

"The fishery improved dramatically beginning on Aug. 22," said Curt
Melcher, a biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
"The catch rate almost quadrupled overnight and currently anglers are
averaging over one chinook per boat, which is similar to previous years
for this date." 

 

Surveys conducted Wednesday, Aug. 24, found that anglers retained an
average of 1.64 salmon per boat. The chinook portion of the catch was
1.38 per boat yesterday.

 

"Coho catch rates have also begun to improve and some anglers are
effectively targeting coho in the Buoy 10 area, but the majority of the
coho catch is still coming from the ocean with coho schools well off
shore and south of the river mouth," said Melcher.

   

The "Buoy 10" fishery occurs at the mouth of the Columbia and is
strongly influenced by the ocean. At this location, coho and chinook
remain active feeders and boats need not cross a river bar. Each year
approximately 100,000 angler trips are generated by people participating
in the Buoy 10 fishery, contributing greatly to the economy of the lower
Columbia region. 

 

 

Anglers are reminded to use caution when fishing in the Columbia River
near the mouth. Maritime conditions can be extremely hazardous and
unpredictable and have led to fatal boating accidents. In addition,
anglers should keep clear of the shipping channel if an approaching
vessel is within one mile and should stay at least 100 yards away from
the sides and stern of all large vessels. 

 

The Columbia River upstream of the Buoy 10 fishing area currently is
open for fall chinook, coho and steelhead. ODFW reminds Columbia River
anglers of the following regulations:

*        The Buoy 10 area is defined as that part of the Columbia River
from Buoy 10 upstream approximately 17 miles to a line projected from
Rocky Point on the Washington bank through red buoy 44 to the navigation
light at Tongue Point on the Oregon bank.

*        Salmon fishing in the Buoy 10 area opened Aug. 1, for adipose
fin-clipped coho, adipose fin-clipped steelhead, and fall chinook. The
daily bag limit is two salmon, only one of which may be a chinook. For
the Buoy 10 fishery through Sept. 30, the minimum size limit is 16
inches for coho, 20 inches for steelhead, and 24 inches for chinook.
Jack salmon may be retained beginning Oct. 1.

*        The Columbia River upstream from the Rocky Point-Tongue Point
line to Bonneville Dam opened Aug. 1 for fall chinook, adipose
fin-clipped coho, and adipose fin-clipped steelhead through Dec. 31. The
daily bag limit includes two adult salmon, only one of which may be a
chinook, and five jack salmon.  

*        The Columbia River above Bonneville Dam also opened to fall
salmon fishing Aug. 1. 

 

The Columbia River is just one of many fishing areas providing fishing
opportunities in late-summer and fall. The ocean remains open under
rules adopted earlier this year and detailed in the 2005 Oregon Ocean
Regulations for Salmon, Halibut and other Marine Species. In addition,
many coastal river fall fisheries are open for fall chinook and coho.
Anglers should check the 2005 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for more
information. 

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