by Rob Holman, March 25, 2015

During last weekend’s Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, a lot of people were talking about the Washington Department of Fish Columbia River salmon forecast. It was a hot topic among fishing guides and angler’s alike.

The forecast numbers, which come from the WDFW and treaty Indian tribes, calls for over 900,000 fall chinook. Nearly 626,000 are expected to be the highly sought after “upriver brights”, headed for areas above Bonneville. If predictions are realized it would be the third largest run on record since 1938, according to WDFW Columbia River policy coordinator Ron Roler. Nearly 777,000 Columbia River Coho are expected this year – down from last year’s 964,000 – but a healthy run as well. 2015 is an odd numbered year, meaning Pink Salmon for anglers. Forecast’s for Puget Sound Pink Salmon are similar to 2013, in the 6.5 million returning fish range. Interestingly, there have been reports of pink salmon in the Columbia River, but these are not what anglers are excited about.

For some fisherman, the 2015 sport fishing season is already upon us. I reached out to guide Kyle Jones of Kyle Jones Sportfishing and REEL Time Fishing to get his take on the 2015 Columbia River forecasts and what it all means.

Jones has already started fishing the Columbia for Spring Chinook. This week he started at the I-5 bridge area near the Portland/Vancouver area.
“This location gives my clients a chance at a real unique opportunity to fish for ocean fresh Chinook in the heart of downtown Portland. These are amazing tasting fish and last year Spring Chinook was going for $30 a pound in the markets,” he said. “Some guys are already catching fish.”

This is the sixth year Jones has been following Spring Chinook up the Columbia. He starts in at the I-5 Bridge and follows the fish all the way up to Idaho’s Clearwater River.

“I’ll fish here (Portland/Vancouver) until April 10th – maybe a little longer if the fishing is good,” Jones said. “Starting April 19th, I’ll be fishing in the Hood River, Oregon area.”

Last year was an amazing year and Jones expects another great season. Forecasts are good but conditions are different.

“Last year was a strong return – with tough early conditions. This year is different but folks will need to make some adjustments. I recommend anglers fish different spots. The water is lower and how you fish needs to match the water volume and clarity.” he said.

When asked for any advice for angler’s who want to go it alone, Jones commented, “Sure. Stick to the main stem of the Columbia and follow the fish up. Maybe then pull over at the Hood River or Drano Lake areas. Watch the run counts at the dams and fish the numbers. Stay on the big concentrations of fish.”

That sounds easy to me. Of course, making it easier is going out with a guide that knows what he’s doing, like Kyle.

“Last year was one of the best in five or six years – I expect this year to be just as good!” he said.

Kyle can be contacted through KyleJonesSportfishing.com or at 208-861-0654. A full day (9 hours) fishing King’s with Kyle is $200/person. Bait and tackle included. He’s booking dates now.

Starting May 9th, Kyle fishes the Clearwater River near Lewiston, Idaho for these same fish. While fishing in Idaho he fishes with REEL Time Fishing.