Sockeye salmon returns on the Columbia River the highest in a Decade
Joseph Tomelleri
“Sockeye salmon are returning to the Columbia River at numbers far higher than predicted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife...”
With sockeye salmon returns on the Columbia River far exceeding expectations, there is reason to celebrate. Like other species of salmon, this unique lake-spawning sea-run fish is in trouble across much of its native range.
Unfortunately, as is often the case, as soon as we get a bit of good news, we take our foot off the breaks and start thinking about fishermen as opposed to fish.
“As a result, fishery managers determined that sockeye fishing can open, starting July 1, on portions of the lower Columbia River, and daily fishing limits may also increase in certain areas.”
Let’s accept the fact that the sockeye salmon population is in rebuilding mode, and put recreational angler on the shelf for a bit longer…
