Early coho returns to the Columbia River appear about 54 percent better than anticipated, state and tribal biologists said Wednesday.
The Columbia River Technical Advisory Committee has upgraded the early coho return from its initial 168,500 to 260,000. Early coho enter the lower Columbia River in August and September.
Early coho headed from upstream of Bonneville Dam number 124,700, a huge increase from the 44,800 forecast back in late winter. Coho passing Bonneville after Oct. 1 are considered late stock.
It is far too early to update the late stock prediction of 102,300. Late coho enter the Columbia River mostly in October and November.
This year’s coho run is consider a weak run, even with the upgrade. A moderate run is 500,000 to 600,000.
