ODFW seeks input on salmon seasons for North and Central Coast rivers

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host two public meetings in April to solicit input on regulations for the 2012 fall chinook and coho salmon seasons on the North and Central Coasts.

The meetings are scheduled for April 25 in Tillamook and April 26 in Newport. Discussions will include inland sport chinook fisheries and sport wild coho fisheries on the North and Mid-coast. Fishery managers are predicting generally improved fishing prospects in 2012, thanks to continued good forecasts of chinook and coho salmon in many watersheds.

According to Chris Knutsen, ODFW fish biologist in Tillamook, the fall chinook return on North Coast rivers should be somewhat better than the last few years, prompting ODFW to consider less restrictive fishing regulations. However, he does not expect a return to permanent rules.

There also is good news for wild coho fisheries, with the possibility of larger quotas on some North Coast rivers, Knutsen said.

On the Central Coast salmon returns have been good in recent years, said Derek Wilson, ODFW fish biologist in Newport. Anglers can expect chinook and coho fisheries to be similar to what they saw during the 2011 season.

ODFW staff will use public feedback from these meetings to develop recommendations for the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to consider at its June 7 and 8 meeting in Salem.

Both meetings will be from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The meeting dates, locations, and ODFW contacts are:

Tillamook
April 25
Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 5005 Third St., Tillamook
Contact: Chris Knutsen, ODFW, (503) 842-2741

Newport
April 26
Hallmark Resort Newport, 744 Elizabeth, Newport
Contact: Bob Buckman, ODFW, (541) 265-8306 X224