Another strong coho run forecast for Columbia

Another strong coho run is predicted to enter the Columbia River in 2015, although far smaller than the monster return of 2014.

State, federal and tribal biologists have released the Oregon Production Index forecast, which predicts 1,015,000 coho will be swimming in ocean south of Leadbetter Point at the northern tip of Long Beach Peninsula.

It is the prediction before coho get caught in sport, commercial and tribal season off the Washington and northern Oregon coasts.

The Columbia River’s contribution to that forecast is 777,100 coho. To break it down further, the Columbia River early-stock forecast is 515,200 and while the late stock prediction is 261,800.

Again, those are before ocean harvest occurs.

In 2014, the actual returns were 760,500 early coho and 480,300 late coho.

“We’re still looking at a very good return,” said Ron Roler, Columbia River policy coordinator for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “In fact, since 1998, we have had only four runs that were larger.”

“It’s not as good a forecast as last year’s epic return, but it’s plenty of fish for some early and late opportunity,” said Lance Fisher, a Oregon-based guide. “I’m excited. Coming off the numbers we saw in 2012 and 2013, we’d be real excited. It’s a lot better than 200,000 to 300,000.”

Early coho enter the Columbia River in August and the first part of September. They are a big contributor to the sport catch at Buoy 10, the name of the popular August fishery between Buoy No. 10 where the Columbia meets the ocean and Tongue Point, 16 miles upstream.

At Buoy 10, most anglers are targeting on fall chinook. However, the bag limit is two salmon, but only one chinook. Adding a coho at Buoy 10 makes for an ideal day.

Late coho enter the Columbia River from the latter part of September into November. They fuel a commercial catch in the lower Columbia, plus sport fishing at a few locations, most notably the mouth of the Cowlitz and Klickitat rivers.

Fall chinook forecasts are expected to be released soon.

Forecasts for the Columbia River, Puget Sound and coastal streams will be presented beginning at 9 a.m. March 2 in Room No. 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St., S.E., Olympia. Discussions on fishery management objectives and a preliminary thoughts about summer and fall salmon seasons will follow the forecast presentation.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council will meet March 7 to 12 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St., to adopt preliminary ocean salmon fishing options.

A discussion about sport and commercial fishing seasons in the Columbia River will begin at 10 a.m. March 16 at the Hilton Vancouver.

The PFMC will adopt the final ocean regulations April 11 to 16 in Sonoma, Calif., and the states will announce fishing regulations planned for summer and fall in the Columbia River.