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Bonneville Dam Numbers Show a Decline of Salmon by Sophie Miraglio KLEW TV, April 12, 2013

LEWISTON, ID - Chinook salmon numbers are lower than average as they begin to enter Idaho waters.

As the salmon begin their journey up the Columbia River, preseason forecasts show Chinook salmon numbers have sharply declined in reference to the last four years. Low numbers coming from the dams paired with how many jacks came back from the ocean last year could cause a snag in recreational fishing.

"Up through yesterday we've had about 1,200 Chinook salmon come over Bonneville Dam, and when you compare that to the ten year average, which is about 6,700 it seems really low," said Clearwater Regional Fisheries Manager Joe Dupont.

DuPont also said a more accurate forecast will be available as more fish make their way over the dam, and the current numbers could just be the tip of a later spring Chinook salmon run. This year the fishing season will start later than normal. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will create the rules on April 22nd, and the season will start soon after.