Feds approve ocean salmon seasons

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — A big rebound in Sacramento River salmon from California has allowed federal fisheries managers to set the first substantial West Coast ocean seasons since 2007.

Meeting in San Mateo, Calif., the Pacific Fishery Management Council on Wednesday adopted sport and commercial fishing seasons for Oregon, as well as Washington and California.

Recreational fishing for chinook has already started off the central Oregon Coast and runs through September.

Off Southern Oregon, recreational fishing for chinook runs May 14 through Labor Day. There will be coho fishing in July and early September.

Returns to the Columbia Basin are less abundant, making for more restrictive seasons off the northern Oregon Coast.

Commercial salmon seasons are also greatly improved over recent years, when little fishing was possible.