Sturgeon anglers in the subpar Columbia River estuary season will get an additional 18 days with fishing reopening today and continuing daily through Aug. 1.
Washington and Oregon officials approved the extension on Tuesday. They will consider another extension on July 29 when they meet in Cathlamet.
Sportsmen between the Wauna power lines near Cathlamet and the ocean have landed a projected 3,900 sturgeon through Sunday, the last day of fishing.
John North of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said that’s just 41 percent of the guideline of 9,600 for 2010.
Fishermen are projected to catch another 1,500 to 2,700 sturgeon in the 18 days, leaving them far short of the guideline, he said.
“It’s been pretty spotty,” North said. “Fishing improved with warmer weather after the Fourth of July, but it’s still pretty spotty with guide boats doing better than some of other boats.”
Butch Smith of the Ilwaco Charter Association said last weekend saw the arrival of some larger sturgeon that moved into the estuary from the ocean.
North and Smith agreed angling effort is down considerably.
“There’s less interest in the fishery because because people have made some unsuccessful trips,” North said.
Steve Watrous of Vancouver said fishing needs to be open daily when it’s open.
“Opening and closing makes it difficult to make plans,” he said. “Make the decision on an extension before it closes.”
North said the estuary catch has been a little less than 100 sturgeon a day. In 2009, the average was 307 per day in June and 260 per day in July.
Harry Barber of Washougal said the estimate of the overall sturgeon population in the Columbia may be too high.
“Maybe we are fishing on ghost fish that aren’t really there,” Barber said.
Bob Rees of the Northwest Guides and Anglers Association said his group supports the 18-day extension, but is not opposed to leaving a portion of the guideline unfilled.
John Laine, a Portland sportsman, said fishing has been poor downstream of Tongue Point east of Astoria, but better upstream.
