Coho returns to the mid-Columbia River are projected to be far fewer than initially forecast.
The Columbia River Technical Advisory Committee on Monday agreed the early coho return at Bonneville Dam will total about 29,000 compared with 96,000 initially anticipated.
The biologists also downgraded the B stock steelhead forecast to a paltry 15,000 fish with only 3,700 wild fish. B stock steelhead are larger, later-returning steelhead headed to Idaho.
The initial B steelhead forecast was 31,600 total.
The Columbia River Compact will meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to consider additional commercial fishing seasons and changes to sport-fishing regulations.
