Ocean salmon seasons on brink of big changes

by Bill Monroe, Special to The Oregonian March 29, 2009

Anglers are looking forward to one of the best (predicted, anyway) offshore salmon seasons in the memories of many; certainly the best of this century...wait a minute...this millenium!

At a minimum, there appear to be enough coho salmon available to fish through much, maybe most, of the summer.

Chinook, unfortunately, are again on the down side coastwide, with upturns predicted in 2010 and beyond. Much trouble remains for Sacramento chinook and offshore fishing will prohibit keeping most chinook.

Coho fishing, though, could be red hot.

Seasons will be set in early April by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Well, not final decisions, but certainly recommendations (which usually are followed) to Secretary of Commerce.

Before that, public hearings are scheduled coastwide this week:

(All begin at 7 p.m.)

Monday, March 30

Chateau Westport
Beach Room
710 W Hancock
Westport, WA 98595

Red Lion Hotel
Umpqua Room
1313 N Bayshore Drive
Coos Bay, OR 97420
(541) 267-4141

Tuesday, March 31

Red Lion Eureka
Evergreen Room
1929 Fourth Street
Eureka, CA 95521
(707) 445-0844