ASTORIA, Ore. — The fall salmon season has begun on the Columbia River bringing hundreds of boats seeking Chinook.
The Daily Astorian reports (https://is.gd/6tS6Rr ) that officials predict a high Chinook return this season, but sample figures show fishing at the mouth of the river has started slow this year.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Columbia River Manager John North says the catch rate for the opening week was about .1, meaning only one in 10 anglers brought home a salmon. Last year had a catch rate of .7.
Despite the slow start, wildlife officials predict this year will have about 960,000 salmon.
