Compact extends anglers' spring chinook season to April 12

The Columbia River Compact on Wednesday agreed to extend the sport fishery downstream of Bonneville Dam.

The original recreation season was set for March 1 through April 5. On Wednesday, the compact exted the season from April 6 through April 12, with a closure set for April 9 to allow a possible commercial fishing opening.

The compact will meet next Monday to consider non-Indian mainstem commercial fishing periods.

Compact biologists had recommended a commercial opening on Tuesday. Based on the low number of steelhead encountered, the increasing number of chinook per drift and the April 2 sport angling closure, staff recommended a 6.5 hour commercial fishing period.