CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Members of NSIA met with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to review how the major fisheries performed in 2014 and how the managers predict the same fisheries will shape up in 2015.
There was a tremendous amount of good news at the meeting, which was packed with sportfishing industry leaders eager to hear how they can best prepare for the 2015 fisheries as they enter their buying season in January.
A return of 232,500 is predicted for upriver portion Columbia River Spring Chinook, which would make it the 6th highest return since 1979. The 2014 run came back 107% higher than predicted at 242,600.
The mainstem Columbia River springer fishery truly sets the stage for the industry as anglers eagerly pursue their first salmon of the year. Strong spring chinook forecasts means a boost in tackle and bait sales, as well as guided trips booked.
The Bright Fall Chinook runs are predicted to come back similarly strong as the 2013-2014 returns, and Sockeye runs are forecasted at 394,000.
The 2014 Fall fishery generated over a quarter of a million angler trips in the mainstem and buoy 10 fisheries. With optimistic forecasts for returns again this year, NSIA is ready to optimize on this, as abundant fish returns mean tens of millions to communities along the Columbia River and to the sportfishing industry.
Idaho Fish and Game shared more good news, with information about new and expanding fisheries in Idaho, including Coho and Fall Chinook. Additionally the mitigation and supplementation hatcheries are poised to release nearly 2 million more smolts.
At the same meeting, ODFW delivered the welcome news that Governor Kitzhaber’s budget request for the agency has restored a large chunk of general fund dollars. This general fund increase will help lessen financial burden on license holders and more fairly distribute the costs of ODFW functions, many of which benefit the entire state, not just anglers and hunters. Additionally the Agencies and the Industry discussed partnership opportunities to enhance sportfishing and improve promotion of these meaningful fishing opportunities.