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Chinook Salmon Catch Rates Improve For Buoy 10 Anglers by Staff Medford News, August 26, 2005

"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.