Hanford Reach Fishing Report (10-4-21)

THE FOLLOWING FISHING REPORT WAS FORWARDED BY PAUL HOFFARTH, WDFW

Fishing effort and harvest was similar to the week prior. From September 27 through October 3, WDFW staff interviewed anglers from 717 boats (1,883 anglers) and 109 bank anglers with a harvest of 669 adult chinook, 65 jacks, and 20 coho. Boats averaged 1 salmon per boat, 16 hours per salmon,. Bank anglers averaged 49 hours per salmon at the Ringold Springs access.

Based on sampling, an estimated 2,050 adult chinook, 193 chinook jacks, and 62 coho were harvested during 5,948 angler trips this past week. For the season, 7,675 adult chinook, 699 chinook jacks, and 163 coho have been harvested.

A run update was completed last week for the Hanford Reach fall chinook return. The wild return is currently estimated at 62,250 adult chinook, ~8% below the preseason forecast (67,293). Based on the in-season update and current harvest, harvest allocated to the Hanford Reach sport fishery is expected to be sufficient to extend the salmon fishery for two additional days (Saturday and Sunday, October 16 & 17) in the upper section of the Hanford Reach. Look for the emergency rule update at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/. The lower section, Hwy 395 to old Hanford townsite powerline crossing, is expected to remain open through October 31 as listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules. The next in-season update will be posted October 8. The upcoming two weeks should offer excellent fishing but the chinook will begin to turn as they prepare for spawning later this month.