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Huge Chinook Run Expected in Snake River by Andy Porter Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, August 25, 2011

The river is expected to be open on its entire length to fishing next month.

WALLA WALLA -- If predictions pan out, salmon fishermen may soon be in hog heaven.

Wildlife officials are expecting the largest return of fall chinook salmon to the Columbia and Snake rivers in years. The large return should allow fishing for adult chinook along the entire length of the Snake River, said Glen Mendel of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife office in Dayton.

"This is the first year that we've been able to open the entire Snake River," said Mendel, who is the district fishery management biologist. The forecast is for 60,000 to 80,000 fish passing by Lower Granite Dam with up to 30,000 of those being jacks, or immature fish, he said.