Out & About: Options adopted for ocean salmon fisheries

Options adopted for ocean salmon fisheries

Anglers fishing along the Washington coast will see a lower catch quote for chinook salmon this year, even though the total number of fish expected to return is higher.

Three ocean-salmon fishing options approved Wednesday by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) establish a lower harvest range for chinook to protect weak salmon stocks — particularly those returning to the lower Columbia River. The PFMC establishes fishing seasons in waters 3-200 miles off the coast.

Despite an expected increase in chinook abundance, the federal panel approved tighter restrictions to protect wild salmon stocks and meet conservation goals, said Phil Anderson, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“Our first priority is to meet crucial conservation objectives for wild salmon,” said Anderson, who represents WDFW on the council. “The ocean options approved today are designed to meet or exceed those goals.”

The PFMC is expected to approve final harvest guidelines for this year’s recreational ocean fishery in mid-April. The options announced are:

• Option 1 — 52,000 chinook and 79,800 coho.

• Option 2 — 42,000 chinook and 67,200 coho.

• Option 3 — 32,00 chinook and 54,600 coho.

For more details, see www.pcouncil.org.

Multi-season hunt applications due

Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to apply for 2011 multiple-season permits in Washington.

In early April, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife will draw names at random for 4,000 multiple-season deer permits and 850 multiple-season elk permits.

Drawing winners are eligible to buy a special tag allowing them to participate in archery, muzzleloader and rifle general hunting seasons this fall. Winners who purchase the multiple-season elk tag by Aug. 31 can participate in general elk seasons on both sides of Washington.

“Rather than having to choose one hunting method over another, hunters drawn for a multiple-season permit who purchase the tag can participate in multiple seasons,’’ said Dave Ware, game manager for the department.

The tags only can be used during general seasons.

Hunters may apply once once for each species and are limited to harvesting one deer or elk.

An application may be bought at an authorized license dealer or by calling 866-246-9453. The cost is $6.50 for residents and $60.50 for non-residents. A 2011 hunting license is not required to submit an application, but winners in the drawing must buy one before they can purchase a multiple-season tag.

Multiple-season deer or elk tags cost $180.50 for residents and $1,800.50 for non-residents.

Club to hear about walleye fishing

PORTLAND — The Oregon Bass and Panfish Club will meet at 7 p.m. March 24 at the East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave. Guide Brandon Glass will present a program on walleye fishing in the Columbia River.