Westport Salmon Fishing Season Opens June 1
Bonus season in Washington contrasts with closure of California and Oregon fisheries

May 10, 2008

WESTPORT, WA – Deep-sea fishing for Chinook salmon begins June 1 – nearly a month early – off the Grays Harbor County town of Westport.

The forecast for this season by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is for “a great year,” with a bonus, Chinook-only season during June added to the regular Chinook and Coho salmon season that begins on June 29.

“Our situation in Westport is in direct contrast with what is happening in California and Oregon,” said Steve Westrick, president of the Westport Charter Boat Association. “Westport is open for fishing the entire month of June. This is a great opportunity to go for the big Lower Columbia River Chinook that swim past Westport this time of year. They typically run larger than the usual Chinook. So, the bonus season promises lots of happy anglers early in the season.”

“Conditions show the ocean water is very cold,” said Doug Milward at the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. “That indicates an up-swelling rich with nutrients, more food and bigger salmon. The season will just be earlier than normal. I personally recommend fishing in June.”

Many anglers were discouraged with the news that the 2008 salmon fisheries are closed in California and Oregon. Westport, however, will be open each week, Sunday through Thursday, through mid September(or, upon attainment of quotas). Starting June 1, during the Chinook-only portion of the season the daily personal bag limit will be one fish per angler. After June 29, the bag limit is a total of two salmon, one of which may be a Chinook. Some charter boats will be conducting combination tripsthat offer fishing for salmon as well as lingcod and rockfish in one day.

Fishery managers planned this year’s season to protect more than 40 stocks of salmon up and down the Coast. With a few exceptions, Chinook abundance appears to be stronger off Washington than in 2007.

Last year, the Westport Salmon Derby winning Chinook was a 39 pounder (in the round: 45 pounds before it was dressed). A young fellow from Roy, Washington caught that fish and won $4,000.00 for his fishing prowess.

“Deep-sea fishing in Westport is part of our common heritage in Washington State,” said Westrick. “Over the past five decades, hundreds of thousands of people have experienced the thrill of landing a salmon or other species such as rockfish, lingcod, tuna and halibut. Cyclical changes in ocean conditions resulted in much improved fishing in recent years. Although our fleet is reduced in numbers from the mid-1970s, one timeless event still takes place at Westport: You and a nice big fish on the other end of the line.”

For additional information contact: Mark Cedergreen at the Westport Charterboat Association (360-268-0445) or Doug Milward at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (360-902- 2739).