Weekly Outdoor News - 4-20-04

Low numbers of returning wild chinook lead to Chehalis River closure

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The sport fishery for spring chinook salmon on the Chehalis River will not open as scheduled April 16 due to low numbers of returning fish, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

After analyzing the preseason forecast, fishery managers identified the need to close the Chehalis River fishery from the mouth of the Chehalis River to Porter Bridge and from the Porter Bridge to the high bridge on the Weyerhaeuser 1000 line. The fishery will remain closed for the entire spring and summer season, previously scheduled to be open April 16-July 31.

The preseason forecast shows that approximately 900 spring chinook are headed back to the river, an estimate well below the goal of 1,400 needed for spawning, said Bill Freymond, WDFW regional fish manager.

"From our estimates, the run size is significantly lower than what is required to meet our escapement goal for this year," Freymond said. "It's an unfortunate situation for anglers, but we need to protect salmon."

Freymond said although the season is closed for chinook, a coho-directed fishery is scheduled on the river this fall.


Designated trout and fly-fishing-only ponds open April 26

CONCORD, N.H. -- Fishing in New Hampshire's designated trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds opens this year on April 26 (the fourth Saturday in April), offering anglers the chance to experience exciting fishing in some of the Granite State's most scenic surroundings.

These ponds are managed specifically for trout, and fishing is allowed through October 15.

"These trout ponds are often the best waters in a given area for a variety of reasons," said New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Fisheries Biologist Don Miller. "Excellent habitat, low species competition and the fact that these ponds are closed to ice-fishing allow these waters to be managed for the trout fishing enthusiast."

Ponds managed for trout may be stocked with one or more species, including brook, rainbow and/or brown trout, with age classes ranging from "yearlings" (8-12 inches), 2-year-olds (12-15 inches), and 3+ year olds.


Washington's Lowland Lakes Open

Hundreds of lakes are teeming with trout as the state's biggest annual fishing event nears its April 26 opener.

More than 24 million trout will be stocked in lakes and streams throughout the state for this year's fishery, including those planted in waters that opened earlier this spring or are open year-round. Most trout will be stocked before the opening weekend, when nearly 300,000 anglers are expected to cast a line.

"With travel costs up this year, lowland lake fishing is a great recreational opportunity for people looking to stay close to home," said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Jeff Koenings.