Hanford Reach Fall Salmon Fishing Report (10-11-21)

THE FOLLOWING FISHING REPORT WAS FORWARDED BY PAUL HOFFARTH

From October 4 through October 10, WDFW staff interviewed anglers from 561boats (1,531 anglers) and 95 bank anglers with a harvest of 710 adult chinook, 51 jacks, and 13 coho. Fishing effort declined by 18% compared to the week prior but harvest increased by 7%.  Boats averaged 1.4 salmon per boat, 13 hours per salmon,. Bank anglers averaged 32 hours per salmon at the Ringold Springs access.

Based on sampling, an estimated 2,203 adult chinook, 153 chinook jacks, and 41 coho were harvested during 4,915 angler trips this past week. For the season, 9,890 adult chinook, 853 chinook jacks, and 204 coho have been harvested during 29,802 angler trips.

A run update was completed last week for the Hanford Reach fall chinook return on October 7. The wild return is currently estimated at 63,563 adult chinook, ~6% below the preseason forecast (67,293). The upper section of the Hanford Reach (Hanford townsite powerline crossing upstream to 650’ below Priest Rapids Dam) will remain open through the end of the day on October 17. The lower section, Hwy 395 to old Hanford townsite powerline crossing, will remain open through October 31 as listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules. WDFW is expecting another good week of fishing this week.