Rogue Sees High Number of Returning Wild Chinook
Local biologists and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are predicting an increase in wild spring chinook returning to the Rogue River this year, a turn of events that is having a positive effect on the spring fishing season.
According to Rogue District Fish Biologist Dan Van Dyke, the high numbers of returning wild chinook can be credited to greatly improved ocean conditions as well as harvest restrictions on the fish.
“It’s a great year to fish the Rogue for spring chinook,” Van Dyke said in a recent ODFW press release. “With these high numbers, we feel confident adding back some additional harvest opportunity on the mid-run wild spring chinook.”
The high numbers Van Dyke refers to are the 24,000 wild chinook projected to return this year. This number is based on fish counts running through May 9.
Because of the increased numbers of returning chinook, the Rogue River from the mouth upstream to the Gold Ray Dam opened May 22, about ten days earlier than usual. Biologists say there are good chinook returns to Cole Rivers Hatchery and the count of wild springers over Gold Ray Dam is up.
With Father’s Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get Dad some great new fishing gear to help him enjoy the Rogue’s flourishing chinook populations. A new fillet knife paired with a diamond knife sharpener makes a great gift package, especially now that chinook are catch-and-keep.
