The Washington & Oregon Dept. of Fishers are both projecting a slight down turn from the 1 million + record return of Chinook from 2015. But, they are projecting at least a 900,000 return of Chinook which is well above an average yr. Coho- a little early to tell but the 2015 jack return exceeded the number of adults that returned. This usually means a very large Coho return for 2016.
Nootka Sound Local Chinook & Coho Returns:
Chinook similar to the Columbia River the Conuma River and its associated hatchery had a record return of 100,000+ fish. Other rivers and streams throughout Esperanza Inlet & Nootka Sound produced another 60,000 Chinook for a total return of 160,000 fish in 2015. Yes Fishing/Catching was very GOOD in 2015 throughout Nootka.
This year we should see a significant increase in size of the returning mature adult Chinook. Yes we are back to the return of TYEES + 30lb fish. The larger size Chinook return for 2016 is a result of excellent ocean conditions when these fish migrated to the salt.
Coho- These fish have been projected at a high abundance over the past two yrs. The Coho have not materialized to that level, all though at times they have been a nuisance thought out the season when targeting Chinook!!! Projections for this season is they will be at moderate abundance. Which means about the same as last yr. Which means there will be lots around to put in your fish box.
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