The Post-Intelligencer has the story, from the AP:
Salmon anglers will have more fishing opportunities off Washington’s coast and in the Columbia River this summer, while most recreational fishing in the Puget Sound will be similar to last year.
Declining salmon populations prompted regulators to shut down California’s season, but there’s better news for sport and commercial fishing in Washington.
“We expect the fishing to be fantastic,” Larry Giese of Deep Sea Charters in Westport told The Aberdeen Daily World. “It’s going to be a nice long season with lots of fish.”
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
This article doesn’t tell the whole picture – commercial salmon seasons are in their third year of draconian cuts. No kings in Oregon (south of Cape Falcon) and a drastically reduced season for Washington. As for the over one million cohos, sport fishermen will get 110,000 in Oregon, while the entire commercial fleet has to split 11,000, or one percent of the run. It’s a devastating blow which will kill off a small, sustainable hook fishery. Sad ending to what was once a great way of life and economic engine for small coastal communities throughout the PNW.