Fish counts spell highs, lows for anglers, and a pink surprise
FISHING -- Good news and bad news is coming from the Columbia River fish counters this week, says Joe Hymer, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife salmon-steelhead specialist in Vancouver.
GOOD: The 44,229 adult fall chinook counted at Bonneville Dam Aug. 1-22 is the 3rd highest count for the period since at least 1938. The record is 48,817 fish counted in 2013.
BAD: The 86,813 steelhead counted at Bonneville Dam since July 1 is the lowest number since 1998 when only 69,158 fish had been counted. So far, this involves the A-run fish, as reported last week.
Meanwhile, did you hear about the rebel pink salmon...
"What’s really unusual are the two pinks counted at Bonneville Dam of which one fish has already crossed The Dalles Dam," Hymer said. "In addition, one pink has been confirmed caught from the Deep River commercial fishery.
"Few pinks are found in the Columbia during an odd numbered year; even fewer would be expected on an even numbered year like this one."
