ASTORIA — The first confirmed spring chinook salmon of 2012 has been sampled by staff of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The 18.2-pounder was taken in the Cathlamet area by a commercial fisherman in the winter sturgeon season. The commercials were allowed to fish from 6 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The commercials will net again from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Feb. 8.
The chinook was of lower Columbia River origin.
An adult and jack chinook were counted at Bonneville Dam on Jan. 25, but state officials are uncertain if the fish were springers due to their coloration.
