Columbia River salmon fishing sees high activity and new regulations

The Columbia River Salmon Derby recently concluded in Chinook, despite rough weather and choppy conditions on the river. The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Port of Chinook and is sponsored by the Chinook Port Alliance, featured a weighing station for participants competing for cash prizes and various raffle items.

In response to an exceptionally productive fishing season, fishery managers from Oregon and Washington are implementing regulatory changes at Buoy 10, located at the mouth of the Columbia River. Due to Chinook catch rates more than doubling initial expectations, the fishery will transition to a mark-selective regulation from August 25 through September 2. During this period, only hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho may be retained.

Officials noted that the high catch rates, which have surpassed levels seen during the large fall Chinook years of 2013-2015, necessitated these adjustments to prevent exceeding planned harvest limits and to protect upriver fisheries from early closures.