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CORRECTED VERSION WITH CORRECT DAYS
May 6, 2016
ENTERPRISE, Ore. – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife district fish biologists will be hosting two public informational meetings in Wallowa County to talk about upcoming spring Chinook fisheries.
Fish biologists will give an overview of spring Chinook fishery management on the Imnaha and Wallowa Rivers, to include an outlook of upcoming seasons in 2016. Also on the agenda is an opportunity for public comment. The meetings start at 6 p.m. and will be held at:
- Tuesday, May 17th at the Enterprise ODFW Office at 65495 Alder Slope Road, Enterprise.
- Wednesday, May 18th at the Imnaha Store and Tavern at 79015 Hat Point Rd, Imnaha
According to Jeff Yanke, Wallowa District Fish Biologist, although the popularity for spring Chinook fishing on Wallowa County rivers has increased, there continues to be some questions regarding the management of the fisheries.
“We need to do a better job of explaining to anglers how these fisheries are managed and why opportunities can be so variable from year to year,” said Yanke. “Implementing these fisheries involves a very complex process, so our goal for these meetings is to address common questions folks have about the management decisions we make.”
Spring Chinook salmon in Wallowa County are listed under the federal endangered species act (ESA), and in addition harvest is shared between sport and tribal anglers. Because of that, ODFW fishery managers spend months planning and coordinating with federal regulatory agencies, other state agencies, and local tribes.
Chinook salmon bound for Wallowa County are just beginning to show up in the lower Columbia River this time of year. According to district fish biologists, although pre-season run forecasts are below average, they are hopeful they increase to offer an opportunity for fishing.
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