THE NEWSROOM
“ any chinook ” and a hatchery coho fishery . This is more in-line with the traditional Buoy 10 seasons and will help those local economies as well as allow anglers opportunities to catch some Columbia River fish . This fishery is very dependent on tides and weather affected so the longer window to catch fish means more “ prime time ” on the water . For all of the seasons check your state ’ s regulations .
Elwha River Closure Extended Until At Least June 2022
Since 2011 all fishing has been closed on the Elwha River . The once dammed river that flows out of the Olympic Mountains into Puget Sound had all fish migrating barriers removed in 2016 , including the two dams that once blocked anadromous fish . Earlier this year Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife , the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe , and the Olympic National Park Service announced the fishing closure will continue through July 1 , 2022 .
The closure extension is to help protect returning salmon and steelhead as well as bull trout and allowing Pacific lamprey to recolonize and promote genetic diversity . Biologist have already observed all five Pacific salmon species as well as summer and winter steelhead returning to parts of the river that were affected for blocked by the dams . Some salmon have made it to the 40-mile mark upriver and spawning areas are being reestablished in the now free flowing river .
IDAHO
Idaho Congressman Proposes Breaching Snake River Dams
In February of this year Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson ( R ) proposed removing the lower four dams on the Snake River . This was an idea fostered to help salmon that are listed under the Endangered Species Act with the dams being one of the major contributors to loss of spawning habitat and salmon survival . The plan would cost around an estimated $ 33.5 billion and would allow licensing of the dams for the next 35 years and remove all salmon litigation during that 35-year period . The money would be used to compensate farmers and those affected by the loss of the dams .
In a rare occurrence , farmers and environmentalist stakeholders both agree that this proposal is a bad idea . With the agricultural groups point out that the loss of much needed water and shipping products via barges would outweigh any monetary benefit . Environmentalist are arguing the 35-year moratorium on fish litigation would essentially extinct the ESA listed fish . The power companies also disagree with the proposed removal of the dams as well .
14 SALMON THE TAILOUT & STEELHEAD JOURNAL
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