Wiley spring salmon give us the slip
Friday, March 11, 2005 8:05 AM PST
By Chuck Downer
Printable version
E-mail this articleCompared to last year, this year's spring salmon season is slow getting started, for whatever reason. As an illustration -- last year we had dozens of entries in our spring salmon derby at work, by the second week in March. So far this year, only nine fish have been brought in.
Last weekend, Department of Fish and Wildlife workers sampled only two spring chinook for 200 boats on the Columbia and no catch was observed for 100 bank anglers. During the same period last year, 11 springers were checked for 153 boats.
However, a Tuesday night commercial fishery brought in 46 chinook, compared to 10 and 13 in previous seasons. Most of the fish caught were lower river fish, according to the DFW.
A friend was quick to mention the other day that, despite the fact that the Columbia River is low and clear, it is still comparatively cold for this time of year. It was 44 degrees near Skamokawa earlier this week.
Lingering colder-than-normal water temperatures are bound to have an effect on spring salmon runs, and on the appearance of smelt in the river as well. We could use some good, warm spring rain, and lots of it, and it doesn't look like that's going to happen any time soon.
The Cathlamet area continues to be the place where some salmon are being caught. The old seining flats, on the Oregon side, and off the old Beaver Depot are being fished heavily on the weekends, largely with indifferent results.
A few fish are being caught from Oregon sandbars, but that remains slow as well.
And in case you were wondering, those who didn't want an increase in the incidental catch of wild winter steelhead during commercial spring chinook seasons eventually prevailed.
The Washington DFW had proposed increasing the inadvertent take of wild winter steelhead from 2 percent to a maximum of 6 percent, despite vehement objection from sports fishermen and wild fish advocates. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a maximum of 4 percent but the Oregon commission stayed with 2 percent, so the fishery must be managed for the lower figure.
Sturgeon regulations
I have a correction to make concerning sturgeon regulations on the Columbia River, below the Wauna power lines at Cathlamet. Last week I gave incorrect dates for that part of the river closing and reopening with a different size limit.
The river closes below the Wauna power lines on May 1 and reopens on May 14 with a 45-60 inch size limit. This season extends through July 31, at which time the lower river closes to sturgeon retention for the remainder of the year. You will be allowed to catch and release, however.
I knew better. Must be an overdose of sun during my vacation. Speaking of which . . . I really couldn't have asked for better weather for a mid—winter vacation. I fished six out of the nine days I was off, with one day shortened by gale-force winds whipping across the lake. It was absolutely awesome!
April clam digs
Razor clam diggers will be happy to hear that there are two three-day clam digs scheduled for April. Both are morning digs, and you will be required to purchase a 2005-2006 shellfish or razor clam license for these days.
The first three-day dig runs April 9-11, provided marine toxins remain at safe levels. At Long Beach on Saturday, April 9, a -0.2 low tide is scheduled for approximately 7:47 a.m. On April 10, a -0.3 low tide will occur at approximately 8:29 a.m., and on Monday, April 11, the -0.2 low tide will be at approximately 9:10 a.m.
The second three-day set begins April 23. At Long Beach, on Saturday, April 23, the +0.3 low tide is at approximately 6:46 a.m. On April 24, the -0.2 low tide is at approximately 7:25 a.m., and on Monday, April 25, the -0.6 low tide is at approximately 8:05 a.m.
For the best results, begin digging two hours before the scheduled low tide. The limit is the first 15 razor clams you dig, regardless of size or condition.
I would deduce, from the fact that two digs, rather than the usual one, are scheduled, indicates that there is still an abundance of clams on coastal beaches. Clam digging has been excellent this winter, for the most part, with the clams running a little small in comparison to last year.
Lunker in Sacajawea
Corey Names of Longview reeled in a 4 1/2 trout from the Lake Sacajawea dock near 24th Avenue last week. A shrimp enticed the trout.
Finally this week
Many of our local tributaries close to fishing at the end of the day on the 15th. Be sure to check the fishing pamphlet for the waters you fish.
Chuck Downer works in the fishing department at Bob's Merchandise in Longview. He can be reached there at 425-3870.
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