Rumors Swirl Regarding Fall Salmon Regulations

The fate of fall salmon fishing on Oregon coast rivers will be decided during the next few weeks. There are rumors surfacing that Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has already decided to close certain rivers to chinook fishing for 2009. Who would’ve believed it? The Siuslaw River is (was) home to one of the strongest runs of fall chinook on the coast. Just a few short years ago we had a fall run that was estimated to be near historic highs. And though some of you may want to run me out of town, I’m going to say it anyway: if predicted adult returns do not meet minimum standards, then I am in favor of closing all rivers this fall, including the Siuslaw.

Don’t You Make Money By Taking People Fishing?
As a fishing guide, I book approximately 70% of my trips from Aug-Oct. Fall chinook fishing is by far my most popular season. Not only does fall fishing carry me through slower seasons financially, it also brings tourists in from all over Oregon and the United States. Tourism is big business here, and salmon bring people to the Oregon coast. Those people spend money in our hotels and restaurants. So you like to go fishing and a closure will affect you? I need to go fishing to support my family. I do not take this lightly.

Worst Case Scenario
I am concerned that some rivers on the coast will be closed this fall while the Siuslaw remains open. A great deal of effort will shift to this river, which would be bigger crowds. It is not unreasonable to believe effort could double or triple on the Siuslaw. It is unclear whether or not local businesses would benefit as a large number of new anglers would be coming from close by metro areas like Salem and Portland. So while rivers north and south of the Siuslaw would be getting a break, twice as many anglers would be putting twice as much pressure on a fishery that might not be able to support the pressure. And you think other boaters were rude last year? What’s this? Tons of boats were fishing around Cushman? Brother, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Let The Facts Make The Decisions
While forecasting run size is inexact, fisheries scientists are getting more accurate. Biologists take into account factors such as commercial fishing take, outmigration of juveniles, predation, minimum escapement for sustaining runs and anticipated angling pressure. If, and only if these factors point to the need for an emergency closure, then that is what needs to take place. I would rather be conservative, closing the river if there’s a chance of doing real damage to our run. And if the facts show that this fall’s run can support the pressure, I’ll be the first to push for keeping the river open.

Will we be the generation that is pointed to 100 years from now as the one that destroyed fall chinook fishing on the Siuslaw? I hope not. I’ve worked too hard on habitat restoration projects, tree plantings and other fisheries projects to let greed and short term gains get the better of me. I refuse to put my self interest above that of future generations.

Give Your Opinion On Upcoming Fall Chinook Season
The public is invited to give their opinion regarding the upcoming fall salmon seasons in rivers and lakes. Please write, e-mail or call Bob Buckman, ODFW biologist if you can attend the meeting. Here’s the specifics on the meeting:
When: April 29
Where: Hallmark Resort Newport, 744 Elizabeth, Newport
Contact: Bob Buckman, ODFW, (541) 265-8306 x224, robert.c.buckman@state.or.us

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)