Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Money Can't Buy Time to Save Salmon

More money might result in more projects to replace culverts that block migrating salmon in Washington state but would not cut the time it takes to make each fix, a transportation official testified Monday.

Paul J. Wagner, environmental services biology branch manager in the state Transportation Department, testified Monday in U.S. District Court that the estimated number of state highway-related problem culverts has grown from 350 in 1994, when the first survey was completed, to 1,800 when the latest estimate was completed in 2007.

The difference reflects the addition of rivers, creeks and streams with steeper slopes to the estimates, Wagner told Judge Ricardo S. Martinez. The first survey covered only those with gradients up to 7 degrees while the latest goes up to 20 degrees.

Subtracting about 200 fixes that have been made since the state's culvert program began in 1991 and culverts that would be of little benefit to repair or replace, about 800 remain on the to-do list, he said.

In a trial that began last Tuesday, 19 Native American tribes are asking Martinez to order a drastic speedup in replacing culverts that block salmon from potential spawning grounds and their offspring from the ocean.

The case is a spinoff of 29 years of litigation over tribal fishing rights based on mid-19th century treaties. State lawyers argue that a culvert speedup would give short shrift to other vital efforts, including habitat restoration, hatcheries, harvest controls and changes in hydroelectric dam operations.

Regardless of funding, it takes at least four years from scoping – determining which actions, effects and concerns will be addressed in a project – to improve or replace a culvert to meet fish passage requirements, Wagner said.

More money won't speed up that process, he added, "We'll just be able to do more projects at the same time."

John C. Sledd, a lawyer for nine of the tribes, suggested that fixing culverts would benefit salmon more than other efforts.

"Our goal is to correct priority salmon barriers," Wagner replied. "We hope that would increase salmon production. We don't have a way to determine" how that work compares in effectiveness with other approaches.

 

 

 

Gillnets more harmful than culverts

Fixing culverts to propagate expanded fish runs is a foolish waste of taxpayer dollars when taken to the extreme.

The major problem with expanding fish runs and securing their survivability is the use of gill nets. The major players, commercial fishers and tribes, have committed large amounts of money to elected officials impeding resolution of the problem. The by catch of the gill net fishery means that wild and non-target fish under the Endangered Species Act will not flourish. The act is not observed by commercial fishers.

The solution to the problem has been known for a long time. The tribes on the upper Columbia River recently began using seine nets to selectively harvest tagged fish. This reduces cost per fish and gives a win-win solution to all fishers by allowing wild and non-target stock to escape. Evidence the large pink runs.

In the case of tribal rights, fishing in usual and accustomed manners is the use of fish traps and other methods, not gill nets. Allow tribal fishers and other gill net fishers on the rivers to use this method. The harvest quantities agreed to would not change, but the numbers and types of fish released would. Wild and other protected non-target fish would be released instead of being killed.

This doesn't mean stopping the replacement of culverts. Just use the time and money more judiciously. What is needed here is a true win-win for fish and man.

 

 

 

Monday, November 2, 2009

Ideas for designated commercial harvest fish runs

Years ago, Weyerhauser was in the fish business. According to SG
they dropped it, because of preharvest by sport and commercial boats.

if we had a goal... To maximize commercial harvest in specific rivers, while not competing with tribal or sport harvest. Hopefully the tribes would go along with splitting the harvest with sport only fishing.

Although this might never get to a viable point, I have wondered for a while about using creeks, or small tribs to use as a commercial harvest open farm style operation, similar to the weyerhauser approach or the Tulalup tribe set up, that operates two hatcheries on their reservation. If the creek or river has no viable wild run to damage, and we could make this work on a multi river arrangement, you get the nets out of salt and you make it a non tribal commercial operation and keep the sports on other watersheds.

Instead of clipping, they just put a small tag, to identify strays. Have a spring, fall or continuous run whatever species, kings or silvers. Then run a trap or weir, nets near the mouth and let the commercial harvest take it all, and run the facilities. In some respects, a processor could do the entire operation, cutting out the independent harvest. But make it private with state oversight. Work it into the Canadian Alaska US treaty where commercial harvest at sea would be eliminated for [at least these] salmon, so they arent preharvesting each others fish. (future operations might form in BC and Alaska given similar extinct runs). Other factors would have to look at limiting number of licenses and methods for commercial boat harvest if any were to continue in Alaska waters. But, one goal would be to work around losing 60 plus percent of the columbia river fish to alaska and Canadian commercial harvest. Would have to eliminate harvest of herring and sardine, but not limited to those species to increase food supply. Sport harvest of herring or smelt etc like in the cowlitz etc would be ok, so some bait needs would be met.

Now, instead of saying it wont work or just saying no, lets brainstorm the various factors that would make it work. If its done well, it could compete with farms and relieve wild fish from commercial harvest, reduce state subsidies for multiple hatcheries to support the commercial fishing industry. What if... it could eliminate commercial harvest in the columbia.

Let the ideas fly. If they did a year round egg box program of one species, would they have silvers or chinook come back all at once or throughout the year for that type of commercial harvest?

Keep in mind, the tulalups have two hatcheries on the reservation. I guess they net the bay, but as long as they leave wild fish alone in the rivers, it seems like a win, if they dont interfere in the sport fishery on those tribs.

I think there are enough rivers to go around, that designated rivers could go a long way to eliminating harvest conflicts with the tribes and the sport fishery, thereby maximizing interest in sport fishing(in combination with a workable recovery plan. We might even have the option of switching rivers over from hatchery supplements to wild fish only, on a gradual basis, to transition sport harvest to other rivers, rather than eliminate four or five rivers in a geographical region, putting pressure on other systems, or killing business in a no fish zone.

So, we would need stream candidates and look at the ramifications of a wild run remaining or not, or nearby river, that would generate a lot of strays. Look at hatchery facilities not being used now, or due to close and methods of harvest. Perhaps beginning with the criteria, needed to make a project work.

Im guessing the alternative is more of the same, with more restrictions and allocation fights in the midst of shrinking budgets.

 

 

 

New Rule Proposals for Rockfish in Puget Sound

Better take a look at the proposals and make your comments. The general concept is included in the current fishing regulation proposals in case you might have missed them (see item #10). Included in the proposal is that would put a 120' (20 fathom) limit on all fishing in Puget Sound except for salmon.

WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/

October 19, 2009

Contact: Greg Bargmann, (360) 902-2825
WDFW seeks public comments on
Puget Sound rockfish conservation plan

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is accepting public comment through Nov. 19 on a new draft conservation plan for rockfish in Puget Sound and has scheduled four meetings to discuss the plan with the public.
The draft conservation plan is the preferred alternative among several presented in a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which is required by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
The DEIS and draft conservation plan are available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/management/rockfish/ . Those who would like a copy of the plan on a compact disc or in print can call (360) 902-2844.
The draft conservation plan provides the framework for new strategies and actions in areas including fisheries, monitoring and education to conserve and protect rockfish populations in Puget Sound. Three species of rockfish in Puget Sound – bocaccio, yelloweye and canary rockfish – currently are being considered for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Comments can be submitted by email to SEPAdesk2@dfw.wa.gov , by FAX to (360) 902-2946, or by U.S. Mail to: WDFW SEPA Desk, 600 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA 98501-1091.
In addition, people can submit comments, as well as discuss the draft plan with WDFW staff, during public meetings scheduled for:
• Oct. 29 – From 7-9 p.m. in Mill Creek at WDFW's Mill Creek office, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd.
• Nov. 2 – From noon-2 p.m. in Friday Harbor in the Commons Room at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor laboratory, 620 University Road.
• Nov. 4 – From 7-9 p.m. in Olympia in room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E.
• Nov. 6 – From 4-6 p.m. in Port Townsend in the Raven Room at Skookum Inc., 385 Benedict St.

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Toxic Nightmare

 


 

Wow, I was totally surprised by this.......

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

 


Would you brush your teeth with Drano?
Would you shampoo your hair with Anti-freeze?
Would you soap your body with oven degreaser?

  • Well, you probably are!!!
  • The illness and disease caused by these toxic petro-chemicals are at epidemic levels.
  • This 4 minute video is a "must see" for all who care. Especially those with children or grandchildren.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

SW Washington Fishing Report

Salmon/Steelhead

Cowlitz River – Summer run steelhead catches are improving around Blue Creek.  The first Cowlitz coho of the fall has returned to the salmon hatchery.

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 405 summer-run steelhead adults, 83 spring Chinook adults, 18 jacks, 223 Chinook mini-jacks, one coho salmon adult, three sockeye and one chum salmon during five days of operation at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.

During the week Tacoma Power employees released 22 spring Chinook adults, 16 jacks and one coho salmon into the Cispus River above the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek, and 202 spring Chinook mini-jacks into Riffe Lake at Mossyrock Park.

Through July a total of 1,890 hatchery summer run steelhead had returned to the salmon hatchery.  In comparison, 4,308 fish had returned at this time last year. 

River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 3,180 cubic feet per second with a visibility of over 13 feet on Monday, August 3.

Kalama River – No report on angling success.  A half dozen fall Chinook have return to the traps to date.  In addition, 1,615 hatchery and 174 wild summer run steelhead had returned to Kalama Falls Hatchery through July.  This compares to 781 hatchery and 155 wild fish at the same time last year.

Lewis River – No report on angling success.  A total of 2,314 hatchery summer run steelhead had returned to the trap at Merwin Dam through July.  This compares to 5,096 fish at the same time last year. 

Wind River – Boat anglers are catching some steelhead.  There were a handful of boats here yesterday (Sunday Aug. 2).

Drano Lake – Including fish released, boat anglers averaged nearly a steelhead per rod.  About 45 boats were observed here yesterday.

White Salmon River – Boat and bank anglers are catching some steelhead.  Approximately 25 watercraft were found here yesterday.

Buoy 10 – Slow on Saturday's opener though some coho were reported caught yesterday.

Lower Columbia from the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to Bonneville Dam – From July 27-31 we sampled 465 bank anglers with 101 steelhead and 1 jack Chinook.  In addition, we sampled 64 boat anglers (30 boats) with 23 steelhead.  Just over 60% of the steelhead caught were kept. 

The lower Columbia is very low and warm.  At Bonneville Dam yesterday, average flows were 137,000 cfs and water temp 74 degrees.  The recent 10-year average is 158,600 cfs and 70 degrees.   

This year's steelhead counts at Bonneville Dam are very similar to this time last year – 140,731 vs 147,970 fish, respectively.

Bonneville and The Dalles pools – Boat anglers in Bonneville Pool and bank anglers in The Dalles Pool are catching some Chinook and steelhead.

John Day Pool – No effort for salmonids was found there last week.

Sturgeon

Lower Columbia from the mouth to the Wauna powerlines – Catch and release through the end of the year.

Lower Columbia from the Wauna powerlines to Bonneville Dam – Catch and released through September.

Walleye and Bass

John Day Pool – Including fish released, boat anglers averaged over 1.5 walleye and 4 bass per rod.  The majority of the walleye were kept.

Trout

Last week Council and Takhlakh lakes were planted with 3,768 and 4,023 catchable size rainbows, respectively.

Skate Creek and the Tilton River – Both are scheduled to be planted with two thousand catchable size rainbows this week.

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

 

 

Sunday, July 26, 2009

SW Washington Fishin

Anglers with constraints on their time will have to choose their fishing days carefully in the weeks ahead.  Those ready to go right now will find good - and improving - fishing for hatchery steelhead from the lower Columbia River to the Bonneville Pool tributaries.  They might want to consider, though, that the sturgeon fishery in the estuary has been extended for three more days, July 24-26. Then again, those who wait until Aug. 1 can fish for salmon at Buoy 10 and any number of other waters opening for fall salmon fishing that day.

"Now is the time to make plans about where to go, where to stay and where to moor your boat," said Joe Hymer, a WDFW fish biologist.  "A lot of fishing opportunities will be opening up in the coming days, and a lot of anglers will want to get in on the action."

Summer steelhead fishing has continued to heat up - along with water temperatures - on the mainstem Columbia River and tributaries stretching upstream to the Bonneville Pool.  Boat anglers fishing between Rocky Point and Bonneville Dam averaged one fish for every two rods during the week ending July 19.  Bank anglers netted a fish for every four rods.  The best catch rates were observed from Kalama downstream and in the gorge, where 178 bank anglers pulled in 53 steelhead and released 56 others July 21.

On the Cowlitz River, boat anglers have been reeling in hatchery steelhead from Mission Bar to Blue Creek. As daily steelhead counts continue to climb at Bonneville Dam, success rates have has also picked up at Drano Lake and on the White Salmon River. 

In all areas, anglers may retain only hatchery steelhead with a clipped adipose or ventral fin and a healed scar.  "The good news there is that the proportion of marked, hatchery fish below Bonneville has increased in recent days," Hymer said.

Rather hold out for sturgeon ?  With 2,400 more fish available for harvest under the area guideline, the sturgeon fishery in the Columbia River estuary has been extended for another three days.  In a joint action July 21, fishery managers in Washington and Oregon agreed to reopen the fishery Friday through Sunday from July 24-26 between the mouth of the Columbia and the Wauna powerlines near Cathlamet.

That action follows a similar six-day extension approved for mid-July.  "Fishing was generally good, but we didn't get the turnout we expected because a lot of anglers decided to fish for salmon off the coast," said Brad James, another WDFW fish biologist.  "That left room for some extra fishing days."

Salmon will no doubt loom even larger in anglers' minds by the time that fishery wraps up.  Starting Aug. 1, the fall salmon season will open on the Columbia River from Buoy 10 to the Hwy. 395 Bridge in Pasco and on a lot of tributaries in between.  More than 700,000 coho are expected to enter the Columbia River this year along with nearly 533,000 chinook, generating high hopes for the upcoming fall salmon fishery.

"This year's coho return to the Columbia is expected to be largest since 2001," Hymer said.  "Add an above-average chinook return to that and you have a pretty favorable outlook for fall salmon fisheries."

A major focus of anticipation is the Buoy 10 fishery near the mouth of the Columbia River, where fishery managers are planning for a catch of 10,700 chinook and 119,100 hatchery coho.  During the month of August, the daily limit will be two salmon (but only one chinook) or hatchery steelhead or one of each.  All salmon other than chinook and hatchery coho must be released.  Barbed hooks will be allowed.

The north jetty is open for fishing seven days per week when the Buoy 10 area or Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) are open for salmon fishing. 

The daily adult catch limits are the same for anglers fishing from the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line to Bonneville Dam, where fishery managers are planning for a catch of 15,100 chinook and 1,900 coho.  Fishing rules for these and other areas are described in WDFW's Fishing in Washington pamphlet (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs ).

Hymer said fall fishing rules for area tributaries, also described in the pamphlet, reflect both the expected size of this year's coho return and the transition to mark-selective chinook fishing in those rivers.  "The rules are basically designed to protect wild chinook, while giving anglers a chance to remove as many excess hatchery fish from spawning areas as possible," he said.  "Rules regarding release of wild adult chinook and jacks vary, because some hatcheries began fin-clipping fish earlier than others.  So we're still a year or two away from the day when all returning chinook will be marked."

Below is a summary of the new rules that will be in effect on various tributaries to the Columbia River starting Aug. 1:

  • Bonus hatchery coho retention:   Anglers may retain up to six hatchery adult coho on all lower Columbia tributaries with hatchery programs, including the Cowlitz, Deep, Elochoman, Grays (including West Fork), Kalama, Klickitat, Lewis (including North Fork), Toutle (including Green and North Fork) and Washougal rivers.  Last year, the Cowlitz River was the only system with a daily limit of six hatchery adult coho.  
  • Release all wild chinook:   Anglers must release all chinook (adults and jacks) on the Elochoman and Kalama rivers, where mass-marked fall chinook that are two, three and four years old will be returning this year.  Very few five and six year-olds are expected, so this regulation provides additional protection for wild chinook adults with a minimal loss of sportfishing opportunity for older unmarked hatchery fish.
  • Release wild chinook jacks:   This rule will be in effect on the Cowlitz, Toutle (including Green and North Fork), Washougal, Wind and White Salmon rivers, plus Drano Lake.   Two and three year-old mass-marked fall chinook will be returning to the Cowlitz, Toutle and Washougal rivers, while two, three, and four year-olds will return to the Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery.  Some strays from various hatcheries also can be found in the Washington tributaries above Bonneville Dam.
  • Hatchery chinook strays on the Lewis River:   Anglers may retain stray hatchery chinook on the Lewis River and North Fork Lewis through September. While no fall chinook are released from Lewis River hatcheries, some stray tules are found in the system. 
  • Boat angling restriction on the North Fork Lewis River:   This regulation, which applies to the Cedar Creek area, will be delayed until October to give anglers greater access to the large number of hatchery coho expected to return to the river. The restriction on boats will still take effect in time to protect wild fall chinook, which are expected to return in improved numbers but just above the minimum escapement goal.
  • Grays and Elochoman rivers open Aug. 1:   The starting date for fall salmon fisheries has been moved up to allow anglers to catch early arriving fish, particularly Select Area Bright fall chinook that stray into the Grays River. 

Meanwhile, sturgeon fishing has been slow from the Wauna powerlines to Bonneville Dam, and will switch to catch-and-release during August and September.  Catch-and-release fishing will open Aug. 1 in the area from Marker 85 to the deadlines below the dam, which has been closed to protect spawning sturgeon.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Reiter Ponds opens July 18th

Action:   Opens the Reiter Ponds section of the Skykomish River to recreational fishing.
 
Effective date:   8 a.m., July 18, 2009.

Species affected:   All game fish, including steelhead.

Location:   Skykomish River from 1,500 feet upstream to 1,000 feet downstream of the Reiter Ponds Hatchery outlet.

Reason for action:   The Reiter Ponds Hatchery has collected enough summer steelhead broodstock to meet production needs.         

Other information:   Public access through the Reiter Ponds Hatchery opens at 6 a.m.   

Information contact:   Aaron Bosworth, Region 4 Fish Manager, (425) 775-1311, ext. 101.

Fishing in SW Washington

Salmon/Steelhead

Cowlitz River – At the barrier dam, 14 bank anglers kept 2 adult Chinook and released 1 jack.

Lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam – Last week we sampled 700 bank anglers with 163 steelhead, 3 adult and 4 jack Chinook, and 4 sockeye. In addition, we sampled 143 boat anglers (65 boats) with 35 steelhead and 1 adult and 1 jack Chinook. Overall, just over half the steelhead caught were kept. Adult Chinook must be released through July.

During the Saturday July 11 flight, a total of 541 WA and 200 OR bank anglers plus just over 200 boats were counted. Over half the WA bank anglers were counted in the Longview-Cathlamet area. Boat effort was spread throughout the river.

The Dalles Pool – Some summer Chinook and steelhead are being caught by bank anglers.

John Day Pool - Angler effort for salmon continues to decline. No salmon/steelhead were observed in the catch. For the season anglers have retained 4 adult and 56 jack Chinook plus 8 sockeye.

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met on Monday July 13, 2009 and updated the Chinook and Sockeye run sizes. The updated summer Chinook run size is 55,000 at the river mouth. This is based on average counts from now through July 31 at Bonneville and an estimated below Bonneville harvest of 5,000 Chinook. Pre-season forecast was 70,700 fish. TAC updated the sockeye run size to 185,000 at the river mouth. This forecast is based on an average run timing curve. Pre-season forecast was 183,200 fish.

Sturgeon

Lower Columbia mainstem from the mouth to the Wauna powerlines – Nearly all of the charter boat anglers had their one-fish limit. Private boat anglers averaged a legal kept per about every 4 rods. Bank angling was slow. The average still remains about 40% of the fish caught were of legal size.

Approximately 280 private and 4 charter boats were counted during the Saturday July 11 flight.

White sturgeon may be retained July 17-19. Fishery managers will review the catch data after July 19 to determine if additional fishing opportunity is available under the 15,529 fish catch guideline for this year's fishery.

Lower Columbia mainstem from the Wauna powerlines to Marker 85 – Outside of the gorge, effort was generally light.

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Sturgeon Fishery in the Columbia Estuary Extended

OLYMPIA - Anglers will get at least six more days to catch white sturgeon in the Columbia River estuary, beginning July 10.

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon announced the joint decision July 7 after assessing catch data for the fishery.

By the states' action, anglers will be allowed to catch and retain legal-size white sturgeon Friday through Sunday from July 10-12 and July 17-19 between the mouth of the Columbia and the Wauna powerlines near Cathlamet.

Those additional fishing days are designed to give anglers an opportunity to catch 4,100 sturgeon still available for harvest by the recreational fishery when the regularly scheduled season ended July 5, said Brad James, a fish biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The catch guideline for that season was 15,529 fish.

"The sturgeon catch was a little below average for the season," James said. "That left room for some extra fishing days."

As during the regular season, the daily catch limit is one white sturgeon, with a fork-length measurement of 41 inches to 54 inches. All green sturgeon must be released. Fishery managers will review the catch data after July 19 to determine if additional fishing opportunity is available under the catch guidelines.

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Fishing in SW Washington

Salmon/Steelhead

Cowlitz River – Spring Chinook continue to be caught by bank anglers at the barrier dam while boat anglers are catching steelhead around the trout hatchery.

Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 20 spring Chinook adults, 13 jacks, and 112 summer-run steelhead during five days of adult fish collection efforts at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator. During the week Tacoma Power employees released two spring Chinook adults and 12 jacks into Lake Scanewa above Cowlitz Falls Dam.

Cowlitz River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 6,120 cubic feet per second on Monday, June 29. Water visibility is ten feet.

Wind River and Drano Lake – Today (June 30) is the last day to fish for spring Chinook.

Lower Columbia mainstem below Bonneville Dam - Last week we sampled1,461 bank anglers with99 adult and22 jackChinook, 37 sockeye, and 47 steelhead.We alsosampled605 boat anglers (256 boats) with62adult and 6 jack Chinook, 2 sockeye, and 12 steelhead. Success was best on the opener and slowed as the week progressed.

Through June 28, an estimated 16,771 angler trips have produced 1,360 adult Chinook kept and 419 released plus 873 sockeye kept and 57 released. Adult Chinook may be retained on the lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam through July 5.

Effort was high last Saturday with 711 boats and 614 WA and 343 OR bank anglers counted

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met yesterday and downgraded the adult summer Chinook run size from the pre-season forecast of 70,700 to 58,000 fish. However, TAC did not change the sockeye pre-season forecast of 183,200.

John Day Pool - WDFW staffinterviewed 41 salmonid anglers in the John Day Pool. Anglers reported harvesting 3hatchery jack chinook and released 2 hatchery origin adult chinookand 1 wild adult chinook.

Bonneville Dam upstream – Adult Chinook (adipose fin clipped or not) may be retained beginning tomorrow (July 1).

Sturgeon

Lower Columbia mainstem from the mouth to the Wauna powerlines – Charter boat anglers averaged just over a legal kept per every other rod while private boaters averaged one per every 5.7 rods. Bank anglers were catching a few legals. About one-third of the fish caught were keeper size. Overall success was better earlier in the week.

Just over 500 private boats and 20 charters were counted during the Saturday June 27 flight. White sturgeon retention is scheduled to re-open July 2-5.

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Skykomish river salmon fishing to close

Starting Sunday (July 5), anglers will be required to release any chinook salmon they catch on the Skykomish River, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

The new rule, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, prohibits the retention of chinook from the Lewis Street Bridge in Monroe upstream to the Wallace River, the only portion of the Skykomish River currently open to salmon fishing.

The rule change does not affect fishing for hatchery steelhead and other gamefish on the Skykomish River.

Low chinook returns to the Wallace River Hatchery prompted WDFW to close the river to chinook retention to help ensure enough salmon make it back to the hatchery to meet spawning goals, said Annette Hoffman, regional fish program manager for WDFW.

If it later appears spawning goals will be met at the hatchery, WDFW may re-open the fishery, said Hoffman.  

Anglers can check for updates on the department's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

Monday, June 29, 2009

Save Cowlitz River Steelhead

The Washington State & Wildlife commission on friday july 10th 2009 will hold a meeting at 1:30pm to decide on public policy reguarding HATCHERY REFORM. It will affect COWLITZ RIVER STEELHEAD as it will further empower those behind the The Cowlitz river managment plan to DO AWAY WITH HATCHERY STEELHEAD on The Cowlitz river.


PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING IN OLYMPIA AT

Natural resourses building
1111 Washington St. SE
Olympia washington 98501

Show up by 8:00 AM and be ready to speak at the scheduled public input time of 8:30 AM. We dont belive the meeting at 1:30 will be open for publis input. THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!!

This public policy and the cowlitz river fish managment plan will significantly impact the future of the Cowlitz river summer and winter steelhead by severly restricting the number of fish raised and released. The word is summer run Steelhead will be dicontiued in less than 6 Years!

The Steelhead program has been an important part of the local communities of Centraila,Chehalis, Toledo, Salkum,Castle Rock and longveiw for generations. Its is also a signifgant contributer to Washigtons economy as people travel from all over the state and nation to fish the Cowlitz river for these fabulous sport fish.

The Hatchery Reform Policy and the cowlitz river fish managment plan must be changed so it recognizes the Cowlitz River and similar rivers which have dams that eliminate accses to critical spawning habitat and play a major role in Washintons economy are set aside for hatchery production.

WE ask that all of you get involved in this issue, write a letter or send an email to the commissioners to EXPRESS your desire to have the Cowlitz River Hatchery Steelhead preserved and improved.

Please make the following points:
the department under the prvious leadership has not listened to our concerns reguarding the Cowlitz river. We would appreciate a new look at our concern

The cowlitz river should remain a hatchery production river system because of the dams limiting access to spawning habitat. Hatchery production is part of a NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT with TACOMA POWER FOR DESTROYING THE RIVER. Economies depend on these agreements!

Cowlitz river summer and winter steelhead fishing generates millions of dollars for small local communities and the state of washington. This area depends on these hatchery programs and the state benefits significantly.

Hatchery reform should focus on the rivers that have the capacity and habitat to support wild fish runs.
Bonneville power has credible studies that wild fish passage by the the Cowlitz river dams is a losing battle. " it wont work"

The Cowlitz River can play a "KEY" role in restoring wild fish runs by creating less pressure on other rivers where we are attemting to restore wild runs. People need a place to fish and our economy needs the revenue it generates.

Idaho has demondstrated it can plant millions of hatchey reared steelhead in the clearwater and Salmon rivers and still maintain healthy wild populations. Why can Idaho have strong hatchery returns and millions of dollars in economic benefits and we cannot?

The new director should review the history of our Cowlitz River Fisheries and the philosophical managment approach the department has taken on the Cowlitz river for the last 15 years. We hope a new vision and direction can be achieved that benefits all interests and restore the economic benefits of the Cowlitz.


PLEASE CONTACT THE COMMISSION

There are several new commissioners that need to hear about the Cowlitz River.


Contact info

Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission
600 Capitol way north
Olympia,Wa 98501-1091
Phone: 360-902-2267
Fax: 360-902-2448
Email commission@dfw.wa.gov

Find the Hatchery Reform policy and other related documents@: www.wdfw.wa.gov/commission/


Please attend or write guys this is just one river with many more to come

Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet July 10-11 at 8:30 a.m. in room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E., in Olympia. The Commission establishes policies and regulations designed to preserve and protect our state's fish and wildlife, as well as our natural habitat. The Commission is also charged with monitoring the performance of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) as it implements the goals, policies and objectives established by the Commission. The public is invited to attend and provide testimony on issues of concern.

The Commission is set to take action July 10 on a new policy aimed at advancing conservation and recovery of wild salmon and steelhead populations.  The proposed policy calls for coordinated reform of the state's approach to harvest management and its hatchery operations based on the recommendations of the Hatchery Scientific Review Group. A public hearing on the draft policy was held in June.

On July 11, the Commission will review progress to date in the nationwide search for a permanent WDFW director. Public advice or comments on the candidate search will be welcomed following that discussion.

The Commission is scheduled to consider adoption of proposals to:

  • Reauthorize through 2010 a pilot program that allows cougar hunting with the aid of dogs in counties that meet specified criteria.
  • Allow recreational license dealers to charge 50 cents to process documentation and collect additional data associated with migratory bird hunting. 

WDFW staff will provide briefings for the Commission on several other issues, including special trapping permits; deer and elk damage claims; and regulations governing commercial crab-fishing on the Washington coast.

Three new commission members, recently appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to fill vacant positions, will join the nine-member panel at the July meeting.  The three new members, all appointed to terms ending Dec. 31, 2014, are:

  • David Jennings, of Olympia, who works at the Washington State Department of Health in the division of environmental health.  Jennings is the past president of the Gifford Pinchot Task Force and the Black Hills Audubon Society.
  • Rollie Schmitten, of Leavenworth, who works as a marine resources consultant.  Schmitten previously served as director of the Washington State Department of Fisheries, director of the National Marine Fisheries Service and as deputy assistant secretary of international affairs for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  • Brad Smith, Ph.D, of Bellingham, who serves as Dean of the Huxley College of Environmental Studies at Western Washington University.  He previously served as director of the Office of Environmental Education at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and was a research fellow for Environment Canada and the Canadian Fish and Wildlife Service. 

On July 11, ethics training and orientation sessions regarding the laws and rules governing Commission operations will be provided to Commissioners. The public is welcome to attend these presentations.

The agenda for the two-day meeting, along with additional information about these issues, is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings.html .

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

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Phone Number: (206) 920-2428
Email Address: jdbrown@columbia-river-fishing-guide.com  

 

 

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Columbia river sturgeon report

Lower Columbia from the mouth to Wauna powerlines

Catches improved with charter boat anglers averaging a legal kept per slightly better than every other rod while private boaters averaged one per every  3.5 rods.  Bank anglers were also catching some legals. 

     

    • Based on the 2006-2009 Joint State agreement and catch during 2006 through 2008, a total of 15,529 fish are available for 2009 fisheries below Wauna.
    • Seven-day/week retention fisheries were adopted for January 1-April 30 and May 9-June 28, and daily for July 2-5, 2009 based on this available harvest.
    • Harvest estimates include 1,125 white sturgeon kept during January through May which is about 67% of the cumulative catches through May in both 2007 and 2008.
    • Catch rates in June started out slow, but improved as the season progressed, averaging 288 fish per day through mid-June, compared to 210 fish per day in early-June 2008 and over 340 fish per day in early June 2007.
    • A majority of the catch has been landed on the Oregon side where effort and catch rates have been higher.  Sampled catch in the non-charter fishery during June averaged 0.9 fish per boat on the Oregon side and 0.5 fish per boat on the Washington side.
    • Catch during June 1-14 is about 4,000 fish, bringing the year-to-date total to about 5,125 fish, leaving a balance of about 10,400 fish for the remainder of 2009.
    • Catch rates can improve quickly in June, making it difficult to make accurate catch projections for the remainder of the scheduled season.  Catch in this fishery during late June and early July averaged 644 fish per day in 2007 and 504 fish per day in 2008.
    • The projected balance provides for an average catch of about 575 fish per day for the 18 days remaining in the scheduled season.
    • Staff will continue to monitor the fishery and will provide another update this week

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Bounty of small salmon creates Columbia River myst

"Jack" salmon, small chinook males that spend only a year in the ocean before returning to freshwater to try and spawn, are showing up in record numbers in the Columbia River. Scientists are puzzled about why this is happening and what it means.

BONNEVILLE DAM — In the world of salmon, size matters. That's because big male fish have the best chance of fending off rivals to stake out a prime spot on the spawning grounds next to fertile females.

So what's up in the Columbia River? Here, a record number of runt-sized males are surging upstream, a biological mystery that has stunned scientists and frustrated fishermen like tribal hoop-netter Frank Sutterlict.

As the spring run neared its May peak, Sutterlict pulled up his net in hopes of finding a big Columbia chinook, an oil-rich salmon weighing 20 or even 30 pounds. But in a frustrating replay of so much of this spring harvest, Sutterlict found only a small male that weighed about six pounds.

"It's just a little itty-bitty fish," said Sutterlict, a member of the Yakama Tribe. "It takes three of them to make a good meal for everybody."

These jacks are chinook males that spend only a year, rather than two to four years, at sea before returning to freshwater to try to spawn. Their final spring tally is expected to top 70,000, nearly triple the previously recorded high. The jacks likely will represent about a third of this year's chinook run.

During seven days around the May peak of the run, more jacks than
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009279676_salmon30m.html?syndication=rss
_________________________
Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

Catch sturgeon, lingcod, trout during Free fishing Weekend

 

Anglers are reeling in sturgeon on the Columbia River, lingcod from Puget Sound and trout from lakes throughout the state. And, starting June 6, trout fishing will open on dozens of rivers and streams on both sides of the Cascades. 

Sound like fun? Washingtonians who are interested in fishing but haven't tried it have a perfect chance to do so during Free Fishing Weekend, scheduled June 6-7. 

During those two days, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in any waters open to fishing in Washington state. Also, no vehicle use permit will be required during Free Fishing Weekend to park at any of the 500 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 

"Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to revive an old hobby or to introduce friends and family to fishing," said Joe Hymer, a WDFW fish biologist. "Adults can introduce kids to fishing on a wide variety of waters around the state."

While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as size limits, bag limits and season closures will still be in effect. (For example, no crab fishing will be allowed in Puget Sound during Free Fishing Weekend, because the fishery will still be closed as of June 6-7.) Anglers will also be required to complete a catch record card for any salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut they catch that weekend. 

Catch record cards and WDFW's Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet are available free at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state. The rules pamphlet is also posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm

Of course, fishing opportunities don't begin or end with Free Fishing Weekend. Those with a fishing license might want to gear up for salmon fisheries opening June 1 in several areas of Puget Sound.  Others can look forward to the first round of crab openings, set for June 18 in marine areas 4 (Neah Bay), 5 (Sekiu) and 13 (south Puget Sound). 

Anyone spending time outdoors should be aware that adult birds and animals - often with everything from ducklings to bear cubs in tow - are out and about now. Enjoy them from a respectable distance, and to avoid problems, take the following precautions:

  • Leave wild babies alone to avoid conflicts with protective parent animals.
  • Store picnic and camp food out of reach of hungry bears or other animals.
  • Camp and hike only in designated areas and preferably in groups that discourage close encounters.
Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

Monday, May 18, 2009

SW Washington Fishing Report

Salmon/Steelhead

Cowlitz River – Spring Chinook catches are spread throughout the river along with a few steelhead. 

Through May 13, a total of 1,250 adult spring Chinook had returned to the salmon hatchery.  Assuming the recent 5 year average, the adult return is currently tracking at 5,388 adults returning to the separator. The hatchery escapement goal is 1,250 fish.  The pre-season forecast was  4,100 adults returning to the Cowlitz this year.

Kalama River – No report on the steelhead fishing.  Through May 11, just two adults had returned to Kalama Falls Hatchery.  The hatchery escapement goal is 500.  The pre-season forecast was 900 adults returning to the Kalama this year.

Lewis River – Some summer run steelhead are being caught in the North Fork.  Through May 13, a total of 118 hatchery adult spring chinook were on-hand.  The hatchery escapement goal is 1,250.  The pre-season forecast was 2,200 adults returning to the Lewis this year.

Wind River – Boat anglers averaged just under a Chinook per every 3 rods while in the gorge bank anglers averaged 2/3 fish per rod when including jacks and fish released. Some early morning catch was reported by bank anglers near the Hwy. 14 Bridge.  Slightly less than half of the catch were jacks.    

There have been 76 adult and 16 jack chinook from Carson hatchery detected at Bonneville Dam as of May 13, 2009.  Applying the CNFH tag rate to the detections produces an estimate of 5,874 adult and 1,436 jack chinook through this date.  For comparison, the estimated run size on this date in 2008 was 5,116 adults and the final estimate in 2008 was 5,951 adults at Bonneville Dam.

The in-season projected adult returns for 2009, based on early, average and late timing data from 2000-2008, are 5,965, 6,278, and 6,879, respectively.  The 2009 run started slow, but appears to have nearly caught up with average run timing.  The final run size is likely to be between 6,000 and 7,000 adults.  The pre-season forecast was 6,900.

The PIT tag interrogation system at Shipherd Falls was downloaded in the afternoon on May 13, 2009.  There have been a total of four PIT tagged adult chinook detected in the fish ladder through this date.  Applying the tag rate produces an estimate of 309 adult chinook past Shipherd Falls as of this date.

Through May 18, just two spring Chinook had returned to Carson National Fishery Hatchery.  Those interested in daily counts should call 509.427.5905.   The counts will be updated each morning by 08:00, Mon-Fri.  In addition the sign on the hatchery's front gate will be updated each day including weekends by volunteers. 

Drano Lake – Including jacks and fish released, boat anglers averaged about ½ Chinook per rod while bank anglers averaged one per every 5 rods.  Half the catch were jacks. 

Through May 14, a total of 1,510 spring Chinook had returned to Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery.   The hatchery goal of 1,000 has been attained.  Trap has been closed since Friday May 8. 

White Salmon River – Has been hit or miss but bank anglers at the mouth are catching some spring Chinook.

Klickitat River – Bank anglers from Fisher Hill Bridge downstream averaged just under ½ fish per rod when including jacks and fish released.  Nearly 2/3 of the catch were jacks.  Effort is increasing with almost 30 vehicles here yesterday (Sunday May 17) morning. 

No report of any fish returning to Klickitat Salmon Hatchery.  Just 3 adults have been counted at Lyle Falls through May 5.  For Lyle trap data, see http://www.ykfp.org/klickitat/Data_lyleadulttrap.htm.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Latest Campaign News: Obama Administration wants a close look

 




Dear JERRY,

Latest Campaign News
Matt Daly of the Associated Press reported late last week that the Obama Administration has requested a 30-60 day pause in the salmon litigation schedule to take a closer look at details of the the federal salmon plan for the Columbia & Snake Rivers currently before Judge James Redden. We have posted the story below. As you know, this plan was produced in the final months of the Bush era so it certainly deserves a close look by the new administration!

Salmon and fishing advocates are feeling encouraged by this development. We are confident that a close review by the Obama Administration will reveal an unlawful plan based on bad science that will weaken the Endangered Species Act and fail to protect or restore imperiled wild salmon and steelhead.

What You Can Do
This is good news! It suggests the Obama Administration wants to look at the science and may be interested in exploring real solutions that work for salmon, communities, and taxpayers nationwide. Phone calls, emails, and letters - these actions are working. Help us continue to show strong support for salmon recovery to the Obama Administration. Send a message via the link below and forward to friends and family:

http://ga0.org/campaign/noaa/

Thank you for your help,

-Jb

Joseph Bogaard
Save Our Wild Salmon
206.286.4455 x103
---------

Feds seek delay in developing NW salmon plan
by Matthew Daly
Associated Press Writer
May 1, 2009

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is reviewing a Bush administration plan for balancing the needs of people and salmon in the Columbia River Basin - a plan that has been criticized by a federal judge as doing too little to help salmon.

In a letter Friday to a federal judge, the Justice Department said top officials in the Obama administration want more time to "more fully understand all aspects" of the plan that was sent by the Bush administration to U.S. District Judge James Redden in Portland, Ore.

Redden had set an informal Friday deadline for the government to respond as it explores options in the case.

Redden heard arguments in March in a longrunning dispute over how to balance Columbia Basin energy and utility needs with imperiled salmon and steelhead.

Environmentalists have argued that salmon populations cannot recover without removing some dams, especially the migration bottleneck to Idaho created by four dams on the Lower Snake River in Washington state.

Redden told the NOAA Fisheries Service at the March 6 hearing that their plan for balancing endangered salmon runs against electricity production on 14 federal Columbia Basin hydroelectric dams still needs work, particularly in the area of habitat improvement.

Federal agencies have acknowledged that the dams threaten the survival of fish, but said that extensive habitat restoration, changes in salmon hatchery operations and plans to let more water pass through Columbia and Snake River dams should mitigate the problem. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration submitted a 10-year plan last year after others were rejected by Redden. Officials said the plan, called a biological opinion or bi-op, would help fish passing through the dams survive. Environmentalists sued, saying the plan did too little to restore salmon populations.

Todd True, an attorney representing the National Wildlife Federation and other environmental groups, called the delay request encouraging.

"It indicates that the leadership of the new administration wants to take a hard look at this biological opinion, and we welcome that look," said True, who works for the environmental group Earthjustice.

Witt Anderson, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland, said the delay would give officials of the new administration time to familiarize themselves with all the issues in the complex case. Jane Lubchenco, the new administrator of NOAA, was among those attending high-level meetings on the case in recent days.

"They want to take a look at all of it," Anderson said, including fish habitat, hydropower, salmon harvest and hatchery operations.

"They recognize this is an interconnected system, and they want to look at all of that to get a good clear understanding," Anderson said.

At the March court hearing, Obama's Justice Department defended the Bush plan, saying it will help the survival of fish. The plan has been backed by state governments in Idaho, Washington and Montana and by most Columbia River tribes - a new development in the long-running argument.

Four Northwest Indian tribal governments - Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla and Colville - agreed to the plan, which committed the federal agencies to giving the tribes $900 million to spend toward salmon.

The state of Oregon and the Spokane and Nez Perce Indian tribes have not backed the federal plan.

Redden warned last year that he would give the job of restoring Columbia Basin salmon to an independent panel if the government failed again. He has not eliminated the possibility that hydroelectric dams on the Lower Snake River could come down if necessary to ensure fish restoration and survival.


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Monday, May 4, 2009

SW Washington Fishing Report

Salmon/Steelhead

Cowlitz River - Some spring chinook are being caught on the lower river. Through April 29, a total of 524 hatchery adult spring chinook had returned to the salmon hatchery, matching one of the strongest starts in the past;20 years. In addition, the first arrival of new summer run steelhead have returned.

Anglers should note the south side of the river from Mill Creek to the Barrier Dam is closed to all fishing through mid June per permanent regulations.

Flows below Mayfield Dam on Monday May 4 are just over 5,100 cfs. Water visibility is over five feet. Flows are expected to drop to almost half in the next week.

Kalama River - From Chris Wagemann, WDFW Fish Biologist, on April 28; Adult fish trapping operations ceased for about a 1 1/2 months form January through mid February due to flood damage. This might help explain a poor early hatchery winter-run return of 220 fish to Kalama Falls Hatchery (KFH). These numbers are about 20% below the past eight-year average (1,097).

On the brighter side the late hatchery winter returns have been favorable with 868 having returned to KFH; this compares to the past eight-year average of only 358 fish. The increased return can be attributed to a better smolt plant and migratory survival.

Wild winter returns peaked this past week and to date, 640 fish have been passed upstream of KFH. This is about 50% of the past year average (1,113); It's expected another 200 wild winter fish will be passed upstream by the end of May.

Three wild and three hatchery;summer steelhead were passed upstream of KFH last week. These are the first returns of the 2009 run year. The first spring salmon were handled at KFH last week included one adult and one jack.

Overall the winter steelhead fishing was above average on the Kalama River for the month of March and the beginning of April. Steelhead fishing has slowed with many winter fish getting ready to spawn. However a few early hatchery summer steelhead are getting caught along with the occasional spring chinook. The adult salmon daily limit remains one fish until further notice.

Lewis River - Effort and catch is relatively light although a few more spring chinook were caught near the salmon hatchery late last week. Through April 29, just 16 hatchery adult spring chinook had been collected at the trap; however 8 new summer run steelhead had been trapped the previous week. The adult salmon daily limit remains one fish until further notice.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

SW Washington Fishing

Cowlitz River - 165 bank anglers kept 11 adult and 3 jack chinook and 4 steelhead plus released one adult chinook. 88 boat anglers kept 2 adult chinook and 25 steelhead plus released 2 adult chinook and 1 steelhead.

Lewis River - On the mainstem Lewis, 6 bank anglers kept 1 steelhead while 10 boat anglers had no catch. On the North Fork Lewis 10 bank anglers and 8 boat anglers had no catch.

Lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam - Last week we sampled 3,396 private boat anglers (1,415 boats) with 613 adult and 75 jack chinook plus 13 steelhead. We also sampled 698 bank anglers with 52 adult and 7 jack chinook and 5 steelhead. Overall, 561 (84.4%) of the 665 adult chinook caught were kept. Based on Visual Stock Identification, 466 (91.0%) of the 512 adult chinook sampled were upriver stock.

Weekend boat effort was down slightly from the previous week while the number of bank anglers were up. 2,709 salmonid boats and 1,372 bank anglers were counted during the Saturday April 18 flight. On Thursday April 16, a total of 1,945 boats and 676 bank anglers were counted, almost identical to the previous weekday flight.

Monday, March 30, 2009

J and L Guided Sportfishing Report

J and L Guided Sportfishing
J and L Guided Sportfishing Report
 
Lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam - Last week we sampled 1,890 boat anglers (864 boats) with 214 chinook and 3 steelhead plus 339 bank anglers with 6 chinook. Overall, 173 (78.6%) of the chinook caught were kept. Based on Visual Stock Identification, 141 (89.3%) of the chinook sampled were upriver stock.
Based on Oregon's sampling, the catch per unit effort for chinook is running about 70% of last year's. Effort, however, is significantly higher with 1,400 salmon boats counted on 3/21 vs 900 on 3/22 last year.
During March 1-15, an estimated 16,400 angler trips resulted in 560 Chinook kept (and 170 released).
The recreational fishery downstream of Hayden Island is open 3 days per week (Thu-Sat) and is scheduled to remain open through April 18. The recreational fishery from Hayden Island upstream to Bonneville Dam is open 4 days per week (Wed-Sat) and is scheduled to remain open through April 22. Fishing for hatchery steelhead and shad is open only on those days open to fishing for spring chinook.
Through March 22, only 63 adult spring chinook had been counted at Bonneville Dam. The recent 10-year average is 1,250 fish. Water temperature is a cool 42 degrees and flows yesterday were a low 122,800 cfs.

J and L Guided Sportfishing
3930 A ST SE #305
Auburn, Washington 98002
206-920-2428
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This email was sent to jdbrown9.fishingreport@blogger.com by jdbrown@columbia-river-fishing-guide.com.
J and L Guided Sportfishing | 3930 A ST SE #305 | Box 95 | Auburn | WA | 98002

Lower Columbia below Bonneville Fishing

Last week we sampled 1,890 boat anglers (864 boats) with 214 chinook and 3 steelhead plus 339 bank anglers with 6 chinook. Overall, 173 (78.6%) of the chinook caught were kept. Based on Visual Stock Identification, 141 (89.3%) of the chinook sampled were upriver stock.

Based on Oregon's sampling, the catch per unit effort for chinook is running about 70% of last year's. Effort, however, is significantly higher with 1,400 salmon boats counted on 3/21 vs 900 on 3/22 last year.

During March 1-15, an estimated 16,400 angler trips resulted in 560 Chinook kept (and 170 released).

The recreational fishery downstream of Hayden Island is open 3 days per week (Thu-Sat) and is scheduled to remain open through April 18. The recreational fishery from Hayden Island upstream to Bonneville Dam is open 4 days per week (Wed-Sat) and is scheduled to remain open through April 22. Fishing for hatchery steelhead and shad is open only on those days open to fishing for spring chinook.

Through March 22, only 63 adult spring chinook had been counted at Bonneville Dam. The recent 10-year average is 1,250 fish. Water temperature is a cool 42 degrees and flows yesterday were a low 122,800 cfs.

Best Regards,
Capt. Jerry Brown
Columbia River Fishing
http://www.columbia-river-fishing-guide.com
206-920-2428

Sunday, March 22, 2009

News from J and L Guided Sportfishing

J and L Guided Sport Fishing Newsletter
Steelhead, Spring Chinook and Sturgeon Fishing
In This Issue
Early Spring Fishing
Sturgeon Fishing
New Outdoors Site
Columbia Springers
Cowlitz River Steelies
1 Million Coho
29# Hoh steelhead
Join Our Mailing List

Spring Chinook Fishing
ColumbaiSpingers
Here in Washington Chinook Salmon Fishing is King and is our #1 specialty . From late March through May its Spring Chinook Fishing time. Also known as "springers", we target the Columbia River from Bonneville dam to Buoy 10 and the Lewis River. With fish ranging from 12 to 25 pounds and 30+ trophy fish being caught every year, these chrome bright Chinook Salmon hit the hook hard and fight, fight, fight. Light tackle provides a test for the angler and a feel for the fight.
 
May/June Sturgeon 
Keeper Sturgeon
A typical day Columbia River Trophy Sturgeon Fishing and keeper Sturgeon fishing will provide multiple hook ups with limits of sturgeon for everyone. The Wild White Sturgeon are becoming known for their awesome fighting ability and high action with some fish reaching 12 feet in length.. The Columbia River has a stable and healthy population of white sturgeon helping you fulfill your Sturgeon fishing dreams! 
Team J and L Outdoors
Store
 
I have partnered with YTB Travel as a Referring Travel Agent and have developed my own website as a credentialed travel agent that will allow you to book your fishing travel efficiently and securely online.

Even if you didn't get the chance to venture out this past season the website is always available to satisfy your upcoming vacation travel needs and showcases cruises, golf, spa and honeymoon packages, along with all-inclusive vacation packages.
 

Additionally, we have added a page for world-wide fishing and hunting trips
 
The website address is: www.teamjandloutdoors.com  
 
 
Looking for a home based opportunity? Join Me
 
 
Aisle 19 Shopping 
Online Mall
Checking out anywhere else just doesn't make sense. When shopping online always remember to start at Aisle 19, shop from over 600+ stores, search our daily deals section, save money and earn cash back on your everyday purchases. The stores in Aisle 19 pay us to bring them online shoppers. Rather than keeping all that money, we encourage you to "check-out" at Aisle 19 by sending you a cash back check for your Aisle 19 purchases. 
 
You can get a free account here:
 
Greetings!

Anglers eager to catch spring chinook salmon are reeling in an increasing number of early arrivals in the lower Columbia River. Sturgeon and smelt seasons are open, despite cold water conditions, sturgeon fishing has been picking up on the lower Cowlitz and Willamette rivers.  Some late-run steelhead have begun to show up in the Cowlitz and Kalama rivers, and the bulk of the run should arrive any day this month.

Spring is weeks away, but Team J and L is already gearing up for the season starting mid-March.  After all, spring chinook salmon are beginning to enter the Columbia River and by late April springers will be in the Lewis, Kalama and Cowlitz rivers.
Columbia River Springer Season 
The bulk of the spring chinook run isn't expected for several weeks and team J and L starts fishing on March 25th
 
 "This is the shakedown time for the spring chinook fishery". It's a good time to get your boat and gear in order and pick your spots before the crowds arrive.  Catching fish is a bonus at this point in the fishery."

There is a high likelihood of both good fishing and large crowds this year, when nearly 300,000 upriver spring chinook are expected to return to the Columbia River.  That would make this year's run the largest since 2001, and the third largest since 1977.  The first spring chinook of the season to cross Bonneville Dam was counted March 3.
Dates Team J and L have remaining to fill for this awesome upcoming season are:
 
March 25th, 26th, 27th, & 28th (open boat all dates)
 
April 2nd  (2 seats)
April 10th (2 seats)
April 15th (2 seats)
April 16th (2 seats)
April 17th (2 seats)
 
Cowlitz River Fishing
Yound salmon
The fishing on the Cowlitz has picked up a lot compared to earlier this winter. River conditions have improved slightly.
 
Last week Tacoma Power recovered 15 Coho adults and five winter-run steelhead in five days of seperator operations at Barrier dam.
 
Tacoma Power employees released 5 coho salmon adults and 11 winter-run steelhead into the upper Cowlitz River at the Lake Scanewa Day Use Site, and they released four coho salmon adults into the Tilton River at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton during the week.
 
Most of the anglers a concentrating the Blue Creek area as hatchery water has been running thru the outlet pipe by the boatramp now for a few weeks.
Columbia River Coho run Forcasted to exceed 1 million
Coho
 A return of more than one million Columbia River coho salmon - the largest run since 2001 - is expected to brighten fishing prospects this year from the Washington coast to the Upper Columbia River.
 
North of Falcon and PFMC meetings, which will determine the final 2009 salmon seasons. The meetings are set for:
 
March 16 - Columbia River fisheries discussion, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Vancouver Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver, Wash.

Record Steelhead? 
Big Steelhead
You are looking at what might be one of the largest steelhead ever caught on a fly. It almost certainly will be an IGFA record for 8kg tippet if verified. 
Mr. Peter Harrison caught the slug on the Hoh river in Washington state just last Friday. He was fishing a double handed rod, swinging flies.  Apparently after a long drawn out battle he brought the fish to shore only to find out it was bleeding profusely from the gills.

Mr. Harrison stated, "My intention was to let it go, having first measured the fish, but it was bleeding quite heavily from the gills. As it seemed likely not survive the ordeal, and because it was the fish of a lifetime, I decided to take the fish. In 10 years of fishing Washington state rivers this is the first fish I have ever taken, of any kind, from a river."
On the bank a couple of boats pulled up and the measured the fish. One said 31 pounds.  One 32 pounds.  Hours later they managed to get it to a certified scale and by then it had lost fluids and blood. It read 29.5 pounds, still seemingly breaking a record set 24 years ago on the Skeena in BC.

 "I certainly have bittersweet emotions. The elation of hooking a giant fish and beaching it but real trauma and actual stress about killing the fish. I am still upset at that part, believe you me I did not do it lightly. Emotionally I am scarred, I still have knot in my stomach over the whole incident. That has led me to ask myself the question: isn't it time that all wild steelhead be released? After all, if they lived long enough, and evaded seals, net's and hooks, all those smaller wild steelhead that are killed each week, would stand a good chance of growing up to be a large size too."
If true, I say good on ya mate.  You did your best.  You were throwing flies. You wanted to release the fish and you actually gave some thought to it. 
 
What would you do? Pursue an IGFA record or leave the fish in the river where some say it belongs.
 
Team J and L vote: Leave the fish in the river where it belongs

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What's left to decide? Book A Trip for Lewis Spring Chinook or Columbia river keeper Sturgeon. Call us now as spots fill fast when the bite is on. Don't miss out on a memorable fishing day with the area's top Washington fishing guide.
Looking forward to fishing with all of you this spring and summer.
 
Sincerely,
 

Capt. Jerry Brown
J and L Guided Sportfishing
Do You Feel Lucky? 
Make Friday The 13th Your Lucky Day!!!

Get a Free Fishing Trip With Every Trip You Buy!
 
Buy your  trip for Summer Steelhead fishing on the Cowlitz; Spring Chinook fishing on the Lewis or Cowlitz river; June keeper sturgeon fishing in Astoria; Trophy sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge; Kings & Silvers at Buoy Ten; Pinks on the snohomish
 
The choice is yours. 
 
Pricing is $175.00 per person with a minimum of 2 people per trip.
 
Contact us either buy replying to this email or by phone.

 
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J and L Guided Sportfishing | 3930 A ST SE #305 | Box 95 | Auburn | WA | 98002