Chinook fishing promising

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California’s chinook salmon fishery is likely to be opened this year after two straight closed fishing seasons – but with restrictions, according to recommendations released Thursday by a federal panel. Fishermen in Oregon and Washington are poised to have an even better season because fish are more abundant there.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council approved three options outlining where West Coast fishermen might be allowed to cast their lines and nets beginning this spring. A final decision is expected next month and it’s unlikely California’s salmon fishery will be closed altogether, said council Chairman David Ortmann.

“Compared to the last two years, there’s going to be more fishermen back on the water,” he said.

If fishing is allowed off California, it would be limited for both commercial and recreational boats. Restrictions on when and where fishermen could travel are proposed because of concern about the decline in chinook over the past three years.

In Oregon and Washington, fishermen could have a full season from May to September, although there will be quotas on the number of fish they can catch and what species.

For example, Oregon commercial fisherman likely won’t be allowed to catch coho salmon, which aren’t expected to be that abundant this year. Washington fishermen could be barred from catching coho in May and June. But losses in both states should be offset by a higher catch in chinook, fishermen said.