| September 18, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON INFORMATION NOTICE: Recreational ocean salmon anglers in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain are reminded that the non-selective coho coho fishery ended on Sunday, September 15 with approximately 93% of the 30,700 coho quota harvested. After considering potential effort and catch rates, managers have determined that there is not enough remaining quota to reopen coho fishing for an additional day without risk of exceeding the quota and corresponding ESA impact allocation reserved for this fishery.
Anglers are reminded that recreational Chinook fishing (technically all salmon except coho) remains open in the area, through October 31 with a daily bag limit of two salmon (24” minimum length). Beginning October 1, the fishery is only open shoreward of the 40-fathom management line.
September 11, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the States of Washington and California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN: The ocean recreational salmon season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. closes to the retention of coho salmon effective 11:59 PM Sunday, September 15, 2024. The season remains open for Chinook salmon with a daily bag limit of two salmon (24” minimum length). All other rules and regulations remain in place.
RATIONALE: The Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain non-mark-selective coho salmon season opened on Sunday, September 1, 2024, with a revised adjusted quota of 30,700 coho salmon. As of Sunday September 8, the coho salmon catch was estimated at 17,789, or approximately 58% of the total quota. Forecasting the coho harvest for the week starting on September 9 indicates that there is a reasonable likelihood that the revised quota may be met by the end of the week. Managers agreed that the best approach is to close the fishery to retention of coho at the end of Sunday. Anglers are reminded that following the closure to coho retention the fishery from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain remains open for all salmon except coho, with a two salmon daily bag limit. Beginning October 1, the fishery is only open shoreward of the 40-fathom management line.
August 28, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and the State of California met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM on Sunday, September 1, 2024, transfer 5,700 coho salmon of the impact neutral rollover of the remaining August coho salmon quota of the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border to the September recreational non-mark-selective fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain. This transfer increases the non-mark-selective coho salmon quota in the September 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024, recreational fishery from 25,000 non-mark-selective coho salmon to a revised quota of 30,700 coho salmon.
RATIONALE:
A provision included in the 2024 ocean adopted regulations for ocean salmon fisheries between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. allows for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective recreational coho season on an impact neutral basis. The most constraining stock in the transfer to the recreational fishery this season is Oregon Coast Natural (OCN) coho, and the preseason impact rates on OCN coho are not exceeded by this transfer.
August 15, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective Thursday August 15, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to 25 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per landing week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Chinook landings have been lagging behind expectations and industry requested fishery managers to consider a modest increase to the weekly landing and possession limit to better facilitate accessing the remaining quota within the season structured dates. After review, it was determined that adjusting the weekly landing and possession limit up to 25 Chinook from the limit of 20 from the past two weeks would not create a risk of exceeding the Chinook or the coho quotas.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid Oregon commercial license and a valid Oregon troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon under an Oregon license and permit are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 15, 2024 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational ocean salmon fishery, the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Monday, August 19, 2024 through 11:59 PM Thursday, August 22, 2024, the recreational fishery in the area between Cape Falcon and Leadbetter Point (Columbia River Subarea) is open to fishing for salmon. Daily limit of two salmon, no more than one of which may be a Chinook. All coho must be marked with a healed adipose fin clip. Chinook minimum size limit of 22 inches. Columbia River Control Zone closed.
- Effective 12:01 AM Friday, August 23, 2024, the recreational fishery in the area between Cape Falcon and Leadbetter Point (Columbia River Subarea) is closed to fishing for salmon. Possession of salmon on board a vessel is prohibited in the Columbia River Subarea.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The season was closed to angling after August 11 based on the projection that the coho harvest was likely to come very close to the remaining quota. After review of last week’s catch estimates, there were landings of 7,134 coho leaving 3,828 coho remaining on the quota. After reviewing likely effort and catch projections, it was determined that there is enough remaining quota to open for the four weekdays.
August 8, 2024 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational ocean salmon fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Recreational ocean salmon angling within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Sub-area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), closes effective 12:01 AM on Monday, August 12, 2024.
- Possession of salmon on vessels in the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Sub-area is prohibited at any time when the season is closed within this same area.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The marked Coho Salmon harvest in this area is expected to approach the quota of 39,900 Coho Salmon by the end of the day on Sunday, August 11. Through Sunday, August 4 an estimated 29,028 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota leaving only 10,873 Coho Salmon remaining on the quota. During the week of July 29-August 4 there were an estimated 6,647 angler-trips and a harvest of 8,675 Coho Salmon and 726 Chinook Salmon for an average catch of 1.55 salmon per angler-trip. Fishery managers have been reviewing trip information from the current week of fishing and have seen a higher number of trips per day this week, but a moderate reduction in the catch rate per angler. Projected harvest for the week is for 10,420 Coho to be landed which would take the fishery to within 452 Coho of the quota as of Sunday night.
July 31, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 12:01 AM Thursday August 1, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to 20 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per landing week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Reduced landing and possession limits have been implemented to minimize the risk of exceeding the Chinook quota in the summer U.S./Canada border to Cape Falcon ocean salmon troll fishery, and with the goal of maximizing season duration and opportunity to access the coho salmon quota. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
• Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. • Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov . Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 10, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and other regional fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 12:01 AM July 11, 2024, the Chinook quota in the July-September commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon has been reduced from 16,400 to 13,800. There are no changes to weekly landing and possession limits at this time.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook in the spring fishery was 25,434, which was 834 above the spring quota of 24,600. A reduction of 2,600 to the summer quota is necessary to remain within pre-season modeled impacts, reducing that quota from 16,400 to 13,800. Additional regulations that apply to vessels holding Oregon permits and fishing north of Cape Falcon during the 2024 season include:
• Landing and possession limits of 40 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA. and Cape Falcon, OR. Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28" total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27" total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 27, 2024, COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 12:01 AM July 1, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to 40 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel for the period July 1-10, and effective 12:01 AM July 11, 2024 the landing and possession limits in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be modified to to 40 Chinook and 100 marked coho per vessel per landing week (landing week defined as Thursday through Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Reduced landing and possession limits have been implemented to minimize the risk of exceeding the Chinook quota in the summer U.S./Canada border to Cape Falcon ocean salmon troll fishery, and with the goal of maximizing season duration and opportunity to access the coho salmon quota . Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
• Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. • Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 18, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: The commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon will be close effective 11:59 PM Wednesday June 19, 2024 thru 11:59 PM Sunday June 30, 2024. Vessels must land and deliver their fish within 24 hours of the closure.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through June 19 is estimated at 24,382 Chinook out of the 24,600 Chinook quota leaving only 218 Chinook remaining on the quota. The fishery will close at the end of the current landing week 11:59 PM Wednesday June 19, and vessels must land and deliver their catch within 24 hours of the closure. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
• Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
• Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
• Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi. • Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more.
• Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
May 16, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the recreational ocean salmon season from the Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
All salmon caught in the area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border must be landed within the State of Oregon for any opening salmon seasons from May 16 through October 31, 2024
RATIONALE:
Recent concerns were raised by the State of California regarding the recreational salmon fishery just across the border in Oregon. Specifically, as California has no salmon openings this year, the concerns included enforcement of the existing regulations and California’s inability to adequately monitor the fishery landings in Crescent City, CA. It is still legal for Californians to trailer their boat to an Oregon port, purchase Oregon angling licenses and catch record cards, fish within waters off Oregon, and travel back to California with their catch by land.
May 16, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS has modified the Chinook salmon landing and possession limits for the commercial salmon troll fishery north of Cape Falcon as follows:
Effective 12:30 PM Thursday, May 16 the following modifications are in place:
- Overall landing and possession limit for the entire area between Cape Falcon and the U.S./Canada border of 225 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
- Landing and possession limit in the area between the U.S./Canada border and the Queets River of 70 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
- Landing and possession limit in the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point of 225 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
- Landing and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon of 80 Chinook per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
RATIONALE: The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon have been relatively slow during the first two openings with only 3,425 Chinook landed out of the overall quota of 24,600. Relative to Oregon fishers:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River to the West of Tongue Point, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2024 seasons are anticipated to be June 8-11, June 19-25, July 3-25, August 2-3, and August 11-31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
April 24, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met Tuesday via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery for all salmon except coho from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon including the subarea from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will open beginning May 1. This season will follow the rules and specifications adopted by the PFMC on April 10 for the 2024 seasons. This season will continue through the earlier of June 29; the May-June overall quota of 24,600 Chinook salmon; or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon, May-June subarea quota of 5,710 Chinook salmon (see additional regulations below).
- The minimum length for Chinook salmon beginning with the May 1, 2024 season opening from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be 27” total length (this length will apply in all open seasons in this area through May 15, 2025 unless modified by in-season action).
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from the 2023 season setting process for the period of May 1-15 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2024 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2024 through May 15, 2025. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2024 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Only vessels with a Washington troll permit may fish within the area from Leadbetter Pt. to the Columbia River within 3 nautical miles of shore.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to landing locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River West of Tongue Point, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length from North of Cape Falcon on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for more than 48 hours (those dates for the 2024 May through September seasons will be June 8-11, June 19-25, July 3-25, August 2-3, and August 11-31).
- Vessels fishing in the area between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR are limited to no more than 60 Chinook for the period of May 1-8, and 60 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) from May 9 through June 29. All salmon must be delivered during the landing week in which they were caught, or they will also apply against any landing week limit in which they are possessed.
- Vessels landing salmon into Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing, location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
4/10/2024 OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for 2024 ocean salmon seasons on Wednesday, April 10. The adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website (www.pcouncil.org) in Preseason Report III, and graphics of the Oregon recreational and commercial troll seasons are available at www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/
Seasons from May 16, 2024 forward are not official until final approval by the Secretary of Commerce and adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
Conservation concerns for both Sacramento and Klamath River fall Chinook salmon stocks were constraints on seasons from Cape Falcon through California. This year’s Columbia basin hatchery coho salmon abundance is forecast to be less than half of the preseason forecast abundance in 2023, but the natural production forecasts for both lower Columbia River and Oregon Coastal stocks are strong with coho quotas and seasons reflecting the available abundances. Coho fisheries were most constrained by sharing of the Lower Columbia River Natural (LCN) coho and the Southern Oregon Northern California Coastal Coho (SONCC).
Recreational Season Summary:
The all-salmon season North of Cape Falcon will open on June 22 and continue through the earlier of September 30 or the hatchery mark-selective coho quota of 39,900. There is also a guideline in this area for 12,510 Chinook. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for Chinook is 22” and the coho minimum length is 16”.
Recreational Chinook seasons on the central Oregon Coast from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opened on March 15 and will continue through October 31. During October the fishery is only open shoreward of the 40-fathom management line. The Chinook minimum length from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is 24”.
The area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will open for recreational Chinook on May 16 and continue through August 31. The Chinook minimum length from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is 24”.
The hatchery mark-selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will be open from June 15 through the earlier of August 18 or the Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border quota of 45,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. There will also be a non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. which will be open September 1 through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 25,000 non-mark selective coho (clipped or unclipped coho allowed). The coho minimum length from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is 16”.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border, the hatchery mark-selective coho salmon season will be open from June 15 through the earlier of August 4 or the Cape Falcon to OR/CA Border quota of 45,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. The shortened coho season in this area was a result of the conservation limitations for the Southern Oregon Northern California Coastal (SONCC) coho stock. The coho minimum length from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border is 16”.
All recreational anglers are limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hook per line when fishing for salmon, and for any species when salmon are on board the vessel.
Commercial Troll Season Summary:
The commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon will have limited Chinook quotas again this year. The fishery will be managed by quotas, season length, and vessel landing week (Thurs.-Wed.) limits. The early all salmon except coho season opens May 1 and will continue through the earlier of June 29 or the overall quota of 24,600 Chinook salmon, or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 5,710 Chinook. The early season will have a 60 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit.
The summer all-salmon fishery north of Cape Falcon will open on July 1 and continue through the earlier of the overall Chinook quota of 16,400 Chinook or quota of 15,200 adipose fin-clipped coho. The season will open for the period of July 1-10 with open period landing and possession limits of 70 Chinook and 100 adipose fin-clipped coho. Beginning July 11, the fishery will transition to landing and possession limits of 120 Chinook and 100 adipose fin-clipped coho per vessel per week (Thurs-Wed).
Minimum lengths for the commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon are 27” for Chinook and 16” for coho. Vessels with catch from this area must land in the area (and within the Columbia River West of Tongue Pt.) or into Garibaldi. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all troll salmon seasons in this area. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report may alternately be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Oregon permitted vessels may only fish south of Leadbetter Pt., Washington and outside of 3 nautical miles of shore between the Columbia River and Leadbetter Pt., Washington.
NOTE: Any boats fishing in the area North of Cape Falcon and retaining Chinook that are greater than 27” but less than 28” must land all salmon into ports N. of Cape Falcon, except that boats may land Chinook that are less than 28” but greater than 27” into Garibaldi if the season S. of Cape Falcon has been closed more than 48 hours. The dates when the area S. of Cape Falcon will be closed to salmon fishing for more than 48 hours include: June 8-11, June 19-25, July 3-25, August 2-3, and August 11-31.
In the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the all-salmon-except coho seasons will be open for the following periods: April 16-May 29; June 1-5, 12-16, & 26-30; July 26-30; Aug. 4-8; and Oct. 1-31.
There will be an all-salmon season from Sept. 1 through the earlier of Sept. 30 or the coho quota of 2,500 coho. Vessels in September and October are limited to no more than 75 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs.-Wed.). In September the coho landing and possession limit is 25 coho per landing week. If the coho quota is met prior to September 30, then the season will continue for all salmon except coho. Minimum lengths from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border are 28” for Chinook, and 16” for coho.
Vessels landing any coho in this fishery are required to report their landing within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the point of landing by phone call to (541) 857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report may alternately be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border, the all-salmon-except coho season will only be open April 16-30. Vessels may land catch taken in openings from the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. into Gold Beach or Brookings at any time during the general seasons. All salmon caught off Oregon from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border must be landed and delivered in the State of Oregon.
Other Information:
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Single point barbless hooks are required in all ocean salmon seasons. Commercial salmon trollers are reminded that they are restricted to no more than 4 spreads per wire for all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border.
March 10, 2024 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California, and advisory body members met today in Fresno, CA and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the areas from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will NOT OPEN and will REMAIN CLOSED through at least April 15, 2024.
RATIONALE: The closures in the early commercial troll fisheries off Oregon were due to forecast impacts to Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon that were higher than initially anticipated. Those high impacts were of concern for the ability to develop any seasons for the remainder of 2024.
Seasons from May 16, 2024 through early May 15, 2025 are currently being developed. Any season adjustments prior to May 16 will be addressed through further inseason action. Season alternatives for the remainder of 2024 will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Seattle from April 5-11, 2024. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
March 10, 2024 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE:
ACTION TAKEN (no action): The planned ocean Chinook salmon season (all-salmon-except coho) will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. from March 15 through May 15. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with minimum size limits of 24” for Chinook and 20” for steelhead.
RATIONALE: The recreational ocean salmon fishery off Oregon in March, April, and early May typically has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2024 fishing year. Seasons from May 16, 2024 through May 15, 2025 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting in Seattle from April 5-11, 2024. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
Visit www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ for more information on Oregon's ocean salmon seasons and fisheries.
2024 OCEAN SALMON PRE-SEASON PLANNING MEETING NOTICE: The meeting will be held in the OSU Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building on the Hatfield Marine Science Center's campus in Newport, Oregon.
The 2024 Ocean Salmon Industry Group Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024. This meeting will provide a review of the 2023 seasons, take a first look at the 2024 salmon forecasts, and begin the development of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The meeting will be held both in person and virtually this year (see details below).
This meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2024 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. The meeting is planned to start at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 28. It is recommended that participants attending on-line, test their system prior to the meeting to iron out any technical problems they may have.
There is also an option available to call in by phone. There will be a lunch break between approximately 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM that will also provide participants time to formulate concepts for proposals.
Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted below as they come available in January and February.
Please visit the PFMC’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ for details on their March and April meetings.
For those attending in person, the meeting will be held in the auditorium of the OSU Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building on the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. No food or drink is allowed in the auditorium, so please plan accordingly.
Topic: 2024 Ocean Salmon Industry Group Meeting
Time: Feb 28, 2024; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting Materials: (will be posted here as they come available):
RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE, September 19, 2023: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The remaining impact neutral rollover of coho remaining from the hatchery selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net transfer of 2,000 coho and a revised quota of 42,500 coho for the September season.
- The ocean recreational salmon season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. reopens to the retention of coho salmon effective Thursday, September 21 at 12:01 AM through the earlier of September 30 or the revised quota of 42,500 coho.
RATIONALE:
A provision included in the 2023 ocean adopted regulations for ocean salmon fisheries between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. allows for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective coho season on an impact neutral basis. This year there are both commercial troll and recreational non-mark selective coho seasons within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The regulations this year stipulated that the transfer could be made to the recreational and/or the commercial troll seasons with a priority to the recreational season.
This approved transfer utilizes the remaining coho available for transfer, and all rollover has been transferred to the recreational fishery. The commercial troll fishery is not approaching their quota of 10,000 coho, with catches from September 1-18 totaling 2,350 coho. The most constraining stock in the transfer to the recreational fishery this season is the Oregon Coast Natural Coho, and the preseason impact rates on OCN coho are not exceeded by this transfer.
The recreational fishery has taken 28,885 coho through September 17, with 8,014 landed in the week of September 11-17. Forecasting the coho harvest for the remainder of the month starting on September 21 indicates that there is minimal risk to attain the remaining quota. Managers will monitor the fishery for the remainder of September and will take additional inseason action if needed.
RECREATIONAL and COMMERCIAL TROLL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission met Friday, September 15, 2023 in Bend, Oregon and took action to adopt regulations for ocean terminal area fall Chinook seasons for both the recreational and commercial troll salmon fisheries in the ocean waters immediately adjacent to the Elk River. These seasons will be open from November 1-30 within the established boundaries of the Elk River Fall Chinook Terminal Area.
Recreational Season Regulations:
- Open November 1-30 within the Elk River Fall Chinook Terminal Area: defined as shoreward of a line drawn from Cape Blanco (42°50‘20" N Lat.) to Black Rock (42°49‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘00" W. Long.) to Best Rock (42°47‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘42" W. Long.) to 42°40’30”N / 124°29’00” W to Humbug Mt.
- Daily bag limit of 1 Chinook per angler with a minimum length of 24"
- Terminal tackle limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hooks
- Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve is closed to all fishing
Commercial Troll Season Regulations:
- Open November 1-30 within the Elk River Fall Chinook Terminal Area: defined as shoreward of a line drawn from Cape Blanco (42°50‘20" N Lat.) to Black Rock (42°49‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘00" W. Long.) to Best Rock (42°47‘24" N Lat. / 124°35‘42" W. Long.) to 42°40’30”N / 124°29’00” W to Humbug Mt.
- Single daily landing and possession limit of 10 Chinook per vessel with a minimum length of 26"
- Terminal tackle limited to single point barbless hooks
- No more than 4 spreads per wire
- Landings restricted to Port Orford
- Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve is closed to all fishing
RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE, September 13, 2023: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- An impact neutral rollover of a portion of the coho remaining from the hatchery selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net transfer of 15,500 coho and a revised quota of 40,500 coho for the season scheduled for September 1 through the earlier of the quota or September 30.
- The ocean recreational salmon season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. closes to the retention of coho salmon effective Sunday, September 17 at 11:59 PM. The season remains open for Chinook salmon with a daily bag limit of one salmon (24” minimum length).
RATIONALE:
A provision included in the 2023 ocean adopted regulations for ocean salmon fisheries between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. allows for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective coho season on an impact neutral basis. This year there are both commercial troll and recreational non-mark selective coho seasons within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The regulations this year stipulated that the transfer could be made to the recreational and/or the commercial troll seasons with a priority to the recreational season.
The approved transfer prioritizes the recreational fishery, and any remaining impacts will be held in reserve and may be transferred later in the month if fishery managers see a need to move more fish to either the recreational fishery or the commercial troll fishery. Currently, the commercial troll fishery is not approaching their quota of 10,000 coho, with catches from September 1-12 totaling 1,948 coho. However, through Sunday, September 10 the recreational fishery has already harvested 21,402 coho out of their quota of 25,000 and a need exists to access some of the remaining available impacts. The most constraining stock in the transfer to the recreational fishery this season is the Oregon Coast Natural Coho, and the preseason impact rates on OCN coho are not exceeded by this transfer.
Forecasting the coho harvest for the week starting on September 11 indicates that there is a reasonable likelihood that the revised quota may be met by the end of the week. Managers agreed that the best approach is to close the fishery to retention of coho at the end of Sunday, and then evaluate the status of the catches again early next week to determine if any more days can be added back to the fishery in September.
A conference call is being planned for late afternoon on Tuesday, September 19 to evaluate the status of the quota and potential for reopening additional days in September.
September 6, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, September 7 through Saturday, September 30, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 15 Chinook salmon and 100 coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
RATIONALE: Current forecast of total landings indicates that 970 Chinook and 5,656 coho remain on their respective quotas. By allowing a modest increase in the weekly Chinook limit, it will allow the fishery to continue to progress towards the scheduled ending date without a likely need for an early closure. This inseason adjustment is consistent with the preseason planning and management goals.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 25, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
1. Effective 12:01 AM Saturday August 26, 2023, the coho quota for the commercial salmon troll fishery North of Cape Falcon is adjusted on an impact neutral basis, from mark-selective to non-mark-selective, and the adjusted non-mark-selective quota is adjusted downward by 10% as a precautionary measure. The adjusted non-mark-selective coho quota is 9,070.
2. Effective 12:01 AM Saturday August 26, 2023, the landing and possession limit for coho is modified to 100 coho (marked or unmarked) per vessel per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday). Weekly landing and possession limit for Chinook remains 7 Chinook per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE: Harvest of hatchery coho through August 25 is estimated at 3,590 coho out of the 30,400 mark selective coho quota leaving a remainder of 26,810 hatchery coho. Trollers have been reporting few hatchery coho being contacted, and high releases of non-marked coho. By making this inseason adjustment which is consistent with the preseason planning and management intensions, the fishery can minimize hook and release impacts on non-clipped coho.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 25, 2023 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the recreational ocean salmon season from Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, August 26, 2023, the coho quota for the recreational salmon fishery in the Columbia River subarea (Cape Falcon to Leadbetter Point) is adjusted on an impact neutral basis, from mark-selective to non-mark-selective, and the adjusted non-mark-selective quota is additionally adjusted downward by 10% as a precautionary measure. The non-mark-selective coho quota is 21,740.
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, August 26, 2023, the daily limit is modified to 2 salmon per day, only one of which may be a Chinook.
RATIONALE: Harvest of hatchery coho through August 25 is estimated at 15,545 coho out of the 79,800 mark selective coho quota leaving a remainder of 64,255 hatchery coho. Mark rates in the fishery have been lower than projected in the preseason process. By making this inseason adjustment, which is consistent with the preseason planning and management intensions, the fishery can minimize hook and release impacts on non-clipped coho, and should still be able to remain open through most of September.
August 15, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, August 17 through Saturday, September 30, the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is open, with landing and possession limits of 7 Chinook salmon and 100 adipose marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
RATIONALE:
Harvest of Chinook to date has surpassed 90% of the 13,000 Chinook quota leaving only 1,251 fish remaining to be harvested. The summer period also has a quota of 30,400 marked coho with an estimated harvest of only 2,772 coho to date leaving 90% of this quota remaining for harvest. This action will refocus the fishery to target hatchery coho while allowing minimal Chinook to be retained. Fishery managers will be reviewing landings and will take additional action as needed in future weeks.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 28, 2023 – INFORMATIONAL UPDATE: The ratio of marked hatchery coho to unmarked coho has been lower than forecast so far this season along much of the Oregon Coast. This can be a result of either a lower than forecast hatchery coho abundance, stronger than forecast runs of naturally produced coho, or a shift in distribution of stocks of salmon along the coast. We recognize that anglers want to be responsible stewards for the resource and reduce any handling mortality on fish that are released. The following are some recommended best practices for reducing the handling mortality for catching and releasing ocean salmon:
Hooks:
- Single point barbless hooks are legally required, provide for a better hook-up ratio, and make releasing fish easier.
- Using only one hook per lure or bait reduces handling time and simplifies releasing a fish. Two hook riggings often result in more than one injury to a fish, complicate unhooking the fish, and are more likely to get tangled in a landing net.
- Hook size: Some prior hooking mortality studies indicate that hook sizes in the smaller sizes of the 3/0-1/0 range may have a lower hooking mortality impact than larger sizes such as 5/0 and 6/0.
- If trolling a whole or plug cut bait use one of the various hooking options that allow for a single hook to be used (cable baiter, crowbar, needle bait threader, etc.).
Handling:
- For any salmon that are anticipated to be released, avoid using a landing net.
- If you have a high sided boat that requires you to net every fish, consider investing in a landing net that uses less abrasive netting (rubber, soft nylon, etc.).
- Have a de-hooking device ready when bringing the fish to the boat.
- Gaff hooks work well for jaw hooked fish. Slide the gaff around the leader and then down the leader to the bend of the hook, at the same time holding the leader in your other hand, then push down on the leader while pulling up on the gaff handle to release the fish.
- Fish hooked deeper inside the mouth/gullet/gills will likely require the use of pliers, hemostats, or another style of de-hooking device.
- Use of a heavy leader will better facilitate controlling the fish by hand as you prepare to release it.
Fishing Methods:
- Bait has a higher likelihood of being taken deep and resulting in a deep hook-up and higher mortality rate than with most lures. Consider shifting to a lure like a spoon if you are encountering many salmon that need to be released.
- If mooching/drifting and using whole or plug cut bait for salmon, a circle hook will result in fewer gullet and gill hooked salmon.
July 19, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, July 20 through Wednesday July 26, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 30 Chinook and 150 adipose fin-marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
- Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, July 27 through Wednesday August 2, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 20 Chinook and 150 adipose fin-marked coho salmon per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
- Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, August 3, the commercial salmon troll fishery in the area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon is closed to all commercial salmon trolling until further notice.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through July to date has been trending higher than anticipated. Projected landings through July 26 are estimated at 8,502 Chinook out of the 13,000 Chinook quota leaving 4,498 Chinook remaining to be harvested. The summer period also has a quota of 30,400 marked coho with an estimated harvest of only 1,380 through July 19. By stepping down the weekly Chinook limits over the next two weeks and then closing to evaluate the status, fishery managers should be able to scale any later openings to target hatchery coho and wrap up any Chinook remaining on the quota. Fishery managers will be reviewing landings and will take additional action as needed in future weeks.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 11, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
Effective 12:01 AM Thursday, July 13, through the earlier of September 30, 2023 or further inseason action: In the commercial salmon troll fishery in the Area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon: landing and possession limits of 35 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through July to date has been trending higher than anticipated. Projected landings through July 12 are estimated at 5,762 Chinook out of the 13,000 Chinook quota leaving 7,238 Chinook remaining to be harvested. The summer period also has a quota of 30,400 marked coho. By reducing the weekly limit of 50 Chinook down to 35 Chinook this should allow the “summer troll season” to remain open for a longer time period and and provide fresh salmon to the marketplace for much of the summer. Fishery managers will be reviewing landings and will take additional action as needed in future weeks.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 23, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, June 24, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the Area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon, landing and possession limit of 11 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 24-29.
- Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, July 1, through the earlier of September 30, 2023 or further inseason action, for the commercial salmon troll fishery in the Area between the U.S./Canada border and Cape Falcon: landing and possession limits of 50 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week, defined as Thursday through Wednesday.
RATIONALE: Harvest of Chinook through June 21 is estimated at 25,148 Chinook out of the 26,000 Chinook quota leaving only 852 Chinook remaining on the quota. With approximately 70 boats anticipated to participate in the final open period, it was projected that an 11 Chinook per vessel limit for the final open period could function with little risk of exceeding the May-June quota.
The summer period has a total quota of 13,000 Chinook and 30,400 marked coho. The established weekly limits of 50 Chinook and 150 marked coho should allow the “summer troll season” to progress at a reasonable pace and provide fresh salmon to the marketplace for much of the summer.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 21, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN: Effective 11:59 PM June 21, 2023, the salmon troll fishery in the area North of Cape Falcon is closed through June 30, 2023. As specified in the federal rule, vessels must land and deliver their salmon within 24 hours of any closure of this fishery. Vessels must land and deliver all salmon from this fishery no later than 11:59 PM Thursday, June 22, 2023. Additional openings in June may be considered if sufficient May-June quota remains. Any remaining quota will be considered for an impact neutral rollover to the next troll fishery North of Cape Falcon which will begin on July 1.
RATIONALE: Harvest through June 21 is anticipated to be approaching the 26,000 Chinook quota with a projected catch of 24,035 Chinook leaving 1,965 Chinook remaining on the quota. There is a need to verify total landing before considering options to reopen. Another conference call is scheduled for 1:30 PM on Friday, June 23 to consider any possible reopening for the remainder of June.
Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 7, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area from the US/Canada Border and the Queets River (LaPush and Neah Bay subareas) from 35 to 40 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from June 8-21, and from 35 to 40 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 22-29.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the Westport area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point from 200 to 250 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from June 8-21, and from 200 to 250 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 22-29 (Note that this is also the weekly maximum for all open areas combined).
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon from 80 to 100 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from June 8-21, and from 80 to 100 Chinook per vessel for the period of June 22-29.
RATIONALE:
Harvest through June 7 is projected to total 11,553 Chinook out of the 26,000 Chinook quota, with 424 coming in the Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon area, and 5,497 coming from the areas N. of the Queets River. Landing week limitations were relaxed to provide the fishery better opportunity to harvest the remaining quota and subarea caps. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
May 24, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point from 150 to 200 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from May 25 to June 21, and for the period of June 22-29 (Note that this is also the weekly maximum for all open areas combined).
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon from 60 to 80 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) from May 25 to June 21, and for the period of June 22-29 .
RATIONALE: Through May 24, total harvest on the May-June quota is projected to total 7,326 Chinook out of the 26,000 Chinook quota, with 323 coming in the Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon area. Due to lower than anticipated harvest rates in the areas south of the Queets River, landing week limitations were relaxed to provide the fishery better opportunity to harvest the quota while still keeping the fishery open for more days through the May-June early season. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31).
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
Visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ for more information on Oregon's ocean salmon seasons and fisheries.
April 18, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Modified the quota for the May-June North of Falcon commercial ocean salmon troll fishery that opens May 1, 2023 to 26,000 Chinook, no more than 6,890 of which may be caught in the area between the U.S./Canada border and the Queets River, and no more than 6,040 of which may be caught in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between the U.S./Canada border and the Queets River to 105 Chinook per vessel for the period May 1 through May 10, and 70 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) beginning May 11.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between the Queets River and Leadbetter Point to 200 Chinook per vessel for the period May 1 through May 10, and 150 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) beginning May 11.
- Modified the landing limit and possession limit in the area between Leadbetter Point and Cape Falcon to 90 Chinook per vessel for the period May 1 through May 10, and 60 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) beginning May 11.
- Vessels may not land fish east of the Sekiu River or east of Tongue Point, Oregon.
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from 2022 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2023 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2023 through May 15, 2024. In addition, because May 1 is on a Monday and would have resulted in a three day week, those three days were added to the full week starting on May 4 and increased landing limits for the 10 day period was adopted to account for the extra days within the initial period. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2023 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River upstream as far as Tongue Pt., the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2023 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 1 through August 31.
- All salmon must be delivered during the open period or landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
4/6/2023 OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for 2023 ocean salmon seasons on Thursday, April 6. Copies of the adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website soon (www.pcouncil.org) in Preseason Report III. Graphics of the recreational and commercial troll seasons have already been made available on www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/. Seasons from May 16 on are not official until final approval by the Secretary of Commerce, and after adoption by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook salmon stocks are severely constraining all seasons from Cape Falcon through California. The primary drivers affecting these populations of Chinook salmon are the direct result of the severe drought in California. To address the critically low abundances of these two stocks, the Council has recommended a complete shutdown of all salmon seasons in California, and all Chinook salmon seasons in Oregon south of Cape Falcon prior to September 1. By September 1 most of these stocks have left the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. and Oregon’s coastal fall Chinook have begun staging near the coast where they will comprise majority of the catch.
This year’s forecast for Columbia Basin hatchery coho salmon represents the third consecutive year of strong abundance in as many years, and recreational coho quotas and seasons reflect this trend. North of Cape Falcon, Chinook quotas were most restricted by tule fall Chinook from the Columbia River, while the most constraining coho were various stocks in Puget Sound. The limiting coho stock for fisheries south of Cape Falcon is the Oregon Coastal Natural coho again this year, and for Chinook it is both Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook.
Recreational Season Summary:
Ocean waters off the Columbia River from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will be open for an all-salmon season North of Cape Falcon beginning June 24 and continue through the earlier of September 30, or quota with a hatchery mark selective coho quota of 79,800. There is also a Chinook guideline in this area of 11,490. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for Chinook is 22” and the coho minimum length is 16”.
The recreational hatchery mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border will open on June 17 and continue through the earlier of August 31 or the quota of 110,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. Chinook retention is prohibited through the end of August.
There will be a non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opening on September 1, and will be open seven days per week through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 25,000 non-mark selective coho. The daily bag limit is two fish, only one of which may be a Chinook. The open days in September may be adjusted in season. Coho minimum length of 16” and Chinook minimum length of 24”.
Retention of one Chinook salmon per day will be allowed beginning September 1 and continue through October 31 in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The season will only be open inside of the 40-fathom management line from October 1-31. Chinook minimum length of 24”.
All recreational anglers are limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hook per line when fishing for salmon, and for any species if salmon are on board the vessel.
Commercial Troll Season Summary:
The commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon will have limited Chinook quotas again this year. The fishery will be managed by quotas, season length, and vessel landing week (Thurs.-Weds.) limits. The early all salmon except coho season opens May 1 and will continue through the earlier of June 29 or the overall quota of 26,000 Chinook salmon, or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 6,040 Chinook. The early season will have a 60 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit. Chinook minimum length of 27”.
The summer all salmon fishery north of Cape Falcon will open on July 1 and continue through the earlier of the overall Chinook quota of 13,000 Chinook or quota of 30,400 fin-clipped coho. Landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 150 adipose fin-clipped coho per vessel. Minimum lengths are 27” for Chinook, and 16” for coho.
Vessels must land in this area or into Garibaldi. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all troll salmon seasons in this area. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report can also be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Oregon licensed vessels may only fish south of Leadbetter Pt., Washington.
NOTE: Any boats fishing in the area north of Cape Falcon and retaining Chinook that are greater than 27” but less than 28” must land all salmon into ports north of Cape Falcon. Boats may only land Chinook in this size range into Garibaldi if the season south of Cape Falcon has been closed more than 48 hours.
In the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. seasons will not open until September 1. Beginning September 1 and continuing through October 31, this area will be open for Chinook salmon with a landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 75 Chinook per vessel. For the period of October 1-31, the open area will be limited to shoreward of the 40-fathom management line. This area will also be open for non-mark selective coho from September 1 through the earlier of September 30, or a non-mark selective quota of 10,000 coho with a landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 75 coho per vessel. Minimum lengths are 28” for Chinook, and 16” for coho.
Other Information:
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Single point barbless hooks are required in all ocean salmon seasons. Commercial salmon trollers are reminded that they are restricted to no more than 4 spreads per wire for all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border.
March 9, 2023 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March 15 commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial ocean troll salmon fishery seasons scheduled to be open between March 15 and May 15 in ALL areas from Cape Falcon to the Oregon California Border are canceled for 2023.
RATIONALE: Multiple stocks of California Chinook Salmon are at extremely low abundance and are projected to potentially fall below target spawning escapements. Guidance from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for 2023 ocean salmon seasons for Sacramento River fall Chinook was that “extraordinary measures are needed in 2023 to address these circumstances and to ensure that fishery management is not a contributing factor.” For Klamath River fall Chinook the NMFS guidance is “that a precautionary approach is warranted and underscores the need to carefully consider the factors described in the FMP in setting the ER (exploitation rate). Given the extremely low abundance forecast and resulting low level of allowable fishing mortality, NMFS anticipates harvest opportunity will be substantially constrained in the region between Cape Falcon, Oregon, and Point Sur, California.” Oregon fisheries typically intercept these stocks throughout the entire area to the South of Cape Falcon, and these stocks are very important contributors to Oregon’s spring and summer fisheries.
Seasons from May 16, 2023 through early May 15, 2024 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed, and a final season recommendation will be made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
March 9, 2023 RECREATIONAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March 15 recreational Chinook salmon openings off Oregon between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt.:
ACTION TAKEN:
The recreational ocean salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 and continue through May 15 in ocean waters between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mt. off Oregon is canceled for 2023.
RATIONALE: Multiple stocks of California Chinook Salmon are at extremely low abundance and are projected to potentially fall below target spawning escapements. Guidance from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for 2023 ocean salmon seasons for Sacramento River fall Chinook was that. Guidance from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for 2023 ocean salmon seasons that include contacts with Sacramento River fall Chinook was that “extraordinary measures are needed in 2023 to address these circumstances and to ensure that fishery management is not a contributing factor.” For Klamath River fall Chinook the NMFS guidance is “that a precautionary approach is warranted and underscores the need to carefully consider the factors described in the FMP in setting the ER (exploitation rate). Given the extremely low abundance forecast and resulting low level of allowable fishing mortality, NMFS anticipates harvest opportunity will be substantially constrained in the region between Cape Falcon, Oregon, and Point Sur, California.” Oregon fisheries typically intercept these stocks throughout the entire area to the South of Cape Falcon, and these stocks are very important contributors to Oregon’s spring and summer fisheries.
Seasons from May 16, 2023 through early May 15, 2024 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed, and a final season recommendation will be made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
September 13, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022 in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) landing and possession limits are adjusted as follows:
- The coho salmon limit is modified from 150 non-mark selective coho to 225 non-mark selective coho per vessel per landing week
- The Chinook salmon limit is modified from 10 Chinook to 15 Chinook per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE:
There are two full remaining landing weeks in the season. Chinook catches are currently projected at 8,691 out of the quota of 9,000 leaving 309 remaining, and Chinook catch rates have fallen dramatically for participating vessels. There are projected to be another 7,916 coho remaining on the quota. By increasing the weekly landing and possession limits slightly, it is hoped that the fleet can utilize the majority of what remains of their allocation.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the North of Cape Falcon minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: September 17-30.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
September 13, 2022 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the Ste of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational salmon seasons North of Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
An impact neutral transfer of 600 Chinook salmon was made from the Neah Bay Ocean Salmon Management Area guideline to the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area guideline. This resulted in 390 Chinook being added to the guideline in the Columbia River area, and revised guidelines of 5,510 Chinook in the Neah Bay Area and 8,090 Chinook in the Columbia River Ocean Area, and a revised overall recreational Chinook quota of 26,790 for the combined areas North of Cape Falcon
RATIONALE:
The Columbia River Ocean Salmon area closed to Chinook retention on August 23, but had already exceeded their Chinook guideline, and additional Chinook impacts were needed to continue the mark selective coho season. In order to stay impact neutral on tule fall Chinook, the conversion resulted in only 65 out of each 100 Chinook being transferred to be added to the Columbia River quota. The transfer is not anticipated to have any effect on the remaining season in the Neah Bay Area.
August 30, 2022 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational non-mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTION TAKEN:
An impact neutral rollover of the 57,186 coho remaining from the hatchery selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net increase of 9,800 coho in the non-mark selective coho quota and a revised quota of 26,800 coho for the season scheduled for September 3 through the earlier of the quota or September 30.
RATIONALE:
In most years, a provision is included in the adopted regulations to allow for the transfer of quota remaining from the summer hatchery selective coho season to the September non-selective coho season on an impact neutral basis. Assessment by the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Salmon Technical Team resulted in an allowable impact neutral allowable transfer of 9,800 coho to the Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. coho season which opens on September 3. The most constraining stock in the transfer this season was the Oregon Coast Natural Coho which was projected to have a 14.95% overall exploitation rate in 2022. That rate is not exceeded by this transfer.
August 25, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) coho landing and possession limit is modified from 150 mark selective coho to 150 non-mark selective coho per vessel per landing week effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2022. The Chinook salmon landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 10 Chinook per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery was allocated a mark selective coho quota of 32,000 coho. It is estimated that at the end of the landing week on Wednesday, August 24 a total of 5,205 coho were landed leaving 26,795 mark selective coho remaining on the quota. An impact neutral conversion from the mark selective coho quota to a non-mark selective coho quota results in a current remaining quota of 9,700 coho.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the North of Cape Falcon minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 22, 2022 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the ocean recreational salmon season from the Leadbetter Point, WA to Cape Falcon, OR:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the ocean waters from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon, retention of Chinook salmon is prohibited beginning 12:01 AM Tuesday, August 23, 2022. This area remains open for the retention of adipose fin-clipped coho salmon through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 84,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. The area from Leadbetter Point South to 46o 15’ N lat. and East of 124o 08’ 40” W. long. will reopen to salmon fishing for coho at the same time.
RATIONALE:
The season guideline for Chinook salmon is for 7,700 total fish in this area. Preliminary catch estimates through Sunday, August 21 indicate that approximately 1,464 Chinook salmon remain on the Chinook guideline. The estimated catch for Monday, August 22 is 375 Chinook leaving 1,089 Chinook on the guideline. There are also approximately 44,000 coho salmon remaining on the coho quota. In order to stay open for coho salmon, there must be enough Chinook remaining to account for incidental hook and release mortality on Chinook, and that is calculated as 423 Chinook. If there are not enough Chinook for the hooking mortality, then the season would have to close to all salmon fishing. By closing to Chinook retention at this time, there is enough of the guideline remaining to allow the coho season to continue.
August 17, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is reduced to 10 Chinook per vessel per week effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. By the end of the landing week that ended on Wednesday, August 10 a total of 7,758 Chinook had been landed during the summer season and an additional XXX are projected to be landed during the week ending today. That leaves only 400 Chinook remaining on the quota. This adjustment was recommended to allow the troll fleet to continue to progress on their hatchery coho quota and utilize the remaining Chinook quota primarily as incidental take.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 10, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is reduced to 30 Chinook per week effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. It is projected that by the end of the landing week that ends on Wednesday, August 10 a total of 7,614 Chinook will have been landed during the summer season leaving 1,386 Chinook remaining on the quota. The adjustment was recommended to allow an orderly progression towards the Chinook quota and allow for more hatchery coho to be harvested before having to close the season.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet those specifications: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 4, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is increased to 40 Chinook per week effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. It is projected that by the end of the landing week that ended last night a total of 6,864 Chinook were landed during the summer season leaving 2,136 Chinook remaining on the quota. Commercial fishery participants requested the increase in the weekly limit to be able to access their remaining Chinook quota before the fish move out of the area.
Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet that criteria: August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
August 4, 2022 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon (1 of 2): NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the Salmon Technical Team of the PFMC, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon/California Border:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border for the season from August 1-28 has been modified as follows: The quota for August is increased from 250 to 658 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of Chinook remaining from the June and July quotas.
RATIONALE:
The Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota was increased by 408 Chinook on an impact neutral basis after rolling the 627 Chinook remaining from the adjusted July quota of 687 Chinook to August. No other changes to the season structure are necessary at this time. Therefore, the season will continue with a landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit of 50 Chinook per vessel per week.
Participants in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)857-2538 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
July 19, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, the weekly (Thursday- Wednesday) Chinook landing and possession limit season is reduced to 30 Chinook per week effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022. The hatchery coho landing and possession limit remains unchanged at 150 marked coho per landing week.
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. It is projected that by the end of this landing week a total of 5,456 Chinook will have been landed leaving 3,544 Chinook remaining on the quota. Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet that criteria: July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: July 24, August 3, August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
July 13, 2022 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
Recreational ocean salmon angling will close to all salmon angling effective 12:01 AM Saturday, July 16 in the following area: Shoreward of 124D 08' 40"W long. and North of 46D 15' N lat. This closure is north of the Columbia River mouth and falls within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon).
RATIONALE: Chinook catch in the area had already reached 29.4% of the 7,700 Chinook guideline as of Sunday, July 10 (corrected after initial notice) while only 8% of the coho quota has been harvested through the same time period. In order to keep the fishery open to both retention of Chinook salmon (1 per angler) and hatchery coho, the fishery is being closed in this area where Chinook salmon are known to congregate.
July 8, 2022 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the Salmon Technical Team of the PFMC, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery between Humbug Mt. and the Oregon/California Border:
ACTION TAKEN:
The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border which reopened to fishing on July 1 has been modified as follows: The quota for July is increased from 400 to 687 Chinook with the impact neutral rollover of Chinook remaining from the June quota.
RATIONALE:
The Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota was increased by 287 Chinook on an impact neutral basis after rolling the 410 Chinook remaining from the June quota of 800 Chinook to July. No other changes to the season structure are necessary at this time. Therefore, the season will continue with a landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit of 50 Chinook per vessel per week.
Participating vessels in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)857-2538 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
June 28, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (2 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
The season from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will open on July 1 with Chinook and marked coho weekly (Thursday-Wednesday) limits as follows:
- July 1-6: No more than 50 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel for the open period.
- Beginning July 7: No more than 40 Chinook and 150 marked coho per vessel per landing week (Thursday-Wednesday).
RATIONALE:
The summer fishery has a total Chinook quota of 9,000 fish. The spring quota was 18,000 Chinook and was almost entirely met. By starting with a reduced weekly landing and possession limit per vessel, it is hoped to be able to access a good portion of the marked coho quota of 32,000 fish. Additional regulation notes for Oregon vessels:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. The following dates meet that criteria: July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30.
- Fishers may land marked coho from open seasons North of Cape Falcon into Garibaldi up to the North of Falcon landing week limit (currently 150 marked coho per landing week) on the following dates: July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-September 30.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 28, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE (1 of 2): The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the State of California, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to incidental Pacific halibut retention in the commercial troll salmon season:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Retention of Pacific halibut incidental to the commercial troll salmon season will continue past June 30 under the current regulations. All participants retaining Pacific halibut must have applied for and received an incidental troll salmon halibut permit from the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Currently vessels are limited to 1 Pacific halibut for every 2 Chinook salmon plus 1 Pacific halibut in possession, up to a maximum of 35 Pacific halibut per trip. All Chinook salmon must be landed with the Pacific halibut.
RATIONALE:
As of this date, the take of Pacific halibut incidental to the troll salmon fishery totals 12,114 lbs. out of the quota of 50,681 lbs. This consultation with NMFS is required annually prior to continuing the fishery after June 30.
June 22, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS will reopen the commercial salmon troll fishery across the entire north of Cape Falcon area, regardless of subarea, for the period of June 23 through June 29 with an open period limit of 13 Chinook per vessel. By rule, all catch from this season must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM on June 30.
RATIONALE:
The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon are estimated to be 17,468 Chinook out of the spring quota of 18,000 Chinook leaving a remainder of 532 Chinook on the quota. Landings for the most recent week (June 9-15) are estimated at 1,001 Chinook under a 25 Chinook per vessel limit. By reducing the weekly limit to 13 Chinook it should allow the fishery to approach the quota without exceeding it. Additional information for Oregon vessels participating in this fishery:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. There are no dates for this last opening that meet that criteria.
Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
June 9, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS has modified the Chinook salmon landing and possession limit for the commercial salmon troll fishery across the entire north of Cape Falcon area, regardless of subarea, to 25 Chinook per vessel per week (Thursday-Wednesday) starting 12:01 AM Friday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 15, 2022. The spring season would close effective at 11:59 PM on June 15 and remain closed through June 30. By rule, all catch from this season must be landed and delivered no later than 11:59 PM on June 16.
RATIONALE:
The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon are estimated to be 16,457 Chinook out of the spring quota of 18,000 Chinook leaving a remainder of 1,543 Chinook on the quota. Landings for the most recent week (June 2-8) are estimated at 1,517 Chinook under a 40 Chinook per vessel limit. By bumping the weekly limit up from 20 to 25 Chinook it should allow the fishery to approach the quota without exceeding it. Any remaining quota from the spring season will be rolled to the summer season on an impact neutral basis. Additional information for Oregon vessels participating in this fishery:
- Vessels landing in Oregon with any catch from North of Cape Falcon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more. Those dates for this last opening would be June 15-16.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
May 25, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
NMFS has modified the Chinook salmon landing and possession limit for the commercial salmon troll fishery across the entire north of Cape Falcon area, regardless of subarea, to: 40 Chinook per vessel per week (Thursday-Wednesday) starting 12:01 AM May 26 through June 8, 2022; and 20 Chinook per vessel per week (Thursday-Wednesday) starting 12:01 AM June 9 through June 29, 2022.
RATIONALE: The total Chinook landings in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, Oregon are estimated to be at 13,500 out of the spring quota of 18,000 leaving a remainder of 4,500 Chinook on the quota. Landings for the current week are estimated at 5,250 Chinook at the end of the day. The approved stepdown approach may allow the fishery to continue through the month of May, but additional actions may be necessary to avoid exceeding the spring quota. :
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2022 May through September seasons are anticipated to be June 15-17, July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30).
- All salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
April 22, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery for all salmon except coho from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be open for the period of May 1-15. This season will follow the rules and specifications adopted by the PFMC on April 12 for the 2022 seasons. This season will continue through the earlier of June 29; the May-June overall quota of 18,000 Chinook salmon; or the Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR May-June subarea quota of 4,840 Chinook salmon (see additional regulations below).
- The minimum length for Chinook salmon beginning with the May 1, 2022 season opening from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be 27” total length (this length will apply in all open seasons in this area through May 15, 2022 unless modified by in-season action).
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from 2021 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2022 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2022 through May 15, 2023. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2022 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2022 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 18-20, June 15-17, July 3-4, July 12-16, July 24, August 3, August 14-31, September 7-10, and September 17-30).
- Vessels fishing in the area between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR are limited to no more than 80 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) from May 1 through June 29, and all salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
April 12, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California and fishery advisors met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll Chinook salmon fishery off Oregon prior to May 16:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N), which is currently open, will continue through May 15, 2022. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-June 12 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N) to Humbug Mt. (currently closed) will open for the period of May 1-15. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-31 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will close effective 11:59PM on April 30. This area is anticipated to reopen on June 1 with a June quota of 800 Chinook and weekly (Thurs-Wed) limits of 50 Chinook per vessel under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply including mandatory reporting at the end of each trip during all openings in June, July, and August.
RATIONALE: These changes, along with the adopted seasons and regulations for the remainder of 2022, were preferred by industry representatives to assist in severe challenges in managing the impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook and lower Columbia River Natural fall Chinook. These changes will provide the mix of commercial troll opportunity for the 2022 season that are anticipated to provide the best mix of time on the water and harvest rates.
Seasons for the salmon fishery management year from May 16, 2022 through May 15, 2023 have been adopted by the PFMC and now await final approval by the US Dept. of Commerce. Links to the PFMC adopted seasons are available on this website and will soon be available at the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ which is linked above.
March 14, 2022 INFORMATIONAL UPDATE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has completed their March meeting. During the meeting a range of alternatives for ocean recreational, commercial troll, and commercial Indian troll salmon seasons for ocean fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California were adopted for public review and comment prior to final adoption at the April PFMC meeting scheduled for April 6-13. Public comments can be provided to the PFMC via their E-Portal for comments relevant to the April meeting. In addition, there will be on-line public hearings scheduled at 7:00 PM for California input on March 22, Washington input on March 22, and Oregon input on March 23. More details on these hearings and how to connect can be found on the PFMC's website.
The adopted alternatives can be found here:
March 11, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season maApril 12, 2022 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of California and fishery advisors met today via a blended conference call and in person meeting and have taken the following in-season management actions related to the commercial troll Chinook salmon fishery off Oregon prior to May 16:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N), which is currently open, will continue through May 15, 2022. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-June 12 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from the Heceta Bank Line (43D 58’ 00” N) to Humbug Mt. (currently closed) will open for the period of May 1-15. This area is anticipated to reopen for the period of May 21-31 under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will close effective 11:59PM on April 30. This area is anticipated to reopen on June 1 with a June quota of 800 Chinook and weekly (Thurs-Wed) limits of 50 Chinook per vessel under the PFMC regulation proposals adopted on April 12. Additional regulations apply including mandatory reporting at the end of each trip during all openings in June, July, and August.
RATIONALE: These changes, along with the adopted seasons and regulations for the remainder of 2022, were preferred by industry representatives to assist in severe challenges in managing the impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook and lower Columbia River Natural fall Chinook. These changes will provide the mix of commercial troll opportunity for the 2022 season that are anticipated to provide the best mix of time on the water and harvest rates.
Seasons for the salmon fishery management year from May 16, 2022 through May 15, 2023 have been adopted by the PFMC and now await final approval by the US Dept. of Commerce. Links to the PFMC adopted seasons are available on this website and will soon be available at the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ which is linked above.
nagement action related to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the areas from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will open as scheduled on March 15th. The early season will be open for all salmon except coho from March 15 through April 30 with a 28” minimum total length for Chinook Salmon, no more than 4 spreads per wire, and single-point barbless hooks required. Open dates in May, and for the remainder of the 2022 season, are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. will NOT OPEN and will REMAIN CLOSED through April 30. Open dates in May and for the remainder of the 2022 season are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The incidental commercial troll Pacific Halibut season will open for 2022 effective April 1 for those areas open for commercial troll Chinook salmon fishing for those vessels with an incidental troll halibut permit issued by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) for the 2022 season. The Pacific Halibut regulations include a ratio limit of 1 halibut per each 2 Chinook plus 1 halibut outside of the ratio, a maximum of 35 halibut per trip, and a minimum head-on total length of 32 inches.
RATIONALE: The closure from the Heceta Bank management line (43o58’00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. was preferred by industry representatives to assist in managing impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide adequate opportunity as requested from fishery participants for the fishing seasons that are currently under development.
Seasons from May 16, 2022 through early May 15, 2023 are currently being developed (seasons prior to May 16 will be addressed through further inseason action). Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the April Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
January 3, 2022 - PRE-SEASON PLANNING: OCEAN SALMON MEETING NOTICE: (Meeting notes and video recordings added below on 3/1/2022)
The 2022 Ocean Salmon Pre-season Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 28, 2022. This meeting will provide a review of the 2021 seasons, take a first look at the 2022 salmon forecasts, and develop a set of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The meeting will be held virtually on-line this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic limitations (see details below).
This meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2022 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. The on-line meeting is planned to start at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 28. It is recommended that participants test their system prior to the meeting to iron out any technical problems they may have (option is available to call in by phone). There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM that will also give participants time to formulate concepts for proposals. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted at www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/ as they come available in January and February.
Please visit the PFMC’s website at https://www.pcouncil.org/ for details on their March and April meetings.
Meeting Materials: (will be posted here as they come available):
Topic: 2022 Ocean Salmon Pre-season Planning Meeting
Time: Feb 28, 2022; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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September 14, 2021 - ACTION NOTICE - Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and members of the Salmon Technical Team, has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- An impact neutral rollover of the 51,724 coho remaining from the mark selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net increase of 6,230 coho in the non-selective coho quota and a revised quota of 20,230 coho.
- The non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will re-open Friday, September 17, and will be open all days of the week through the earlier of the revised quota or September 30.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational mark selective coho season in the area from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border landed an estimated 68,281 coho during the June 22 to August 16 mark selective season out of the quota of 120,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. This left 51,724 coho available to roll forward on an impact neutral basis to the non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. In September, the most constraining coho stock for the rollover calculation was Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) coho, and the impact neutral rollover to the September non-mark selective season resulted in a net increase of 6,230 coho and a revised September season quota of 20,230 coho.
This season was first open on Friday, Sept. 10; Saturday, Sept. 11; and Sunday, Sept. 12. Total estimated fishing effort for the three-day opening was 6,392 angler-trips with a retained catch of 6,246 coho out of the now adjusted quota of 20,230 coho. This leaves a remainder of 13,984 coho (69%) on the quota. After review of the harvest estimates from the first three-day opening, it was determined that adding the 8 additional weekdays to the open fishing period would be unlikely to result in early attainment of the quota. The added days will provide more fishing opportunity for coho in the highly popular non-mark selective coho season.
For full regulations and updated catch information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/
Angling for Chinook salmon (all-salmon except coho) is open 7 days per week through October 31 within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The Chinook salmon season (all-salmon except coho) from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will also reopen March 15, 2022 unless modified by in-season management action during the March Pacific Fishery Management Council by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
September 3, 2021 - UPDATE– Recreational Ocean Salmon: The recreational hatchery mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border closed on August 28 as scheduled. The quota of 120,000 marked coho was not met, and an estimated 51,724 coho were left on the quota. A non-mark selective coho season for Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is scheduled to be open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning on September 10 and continuing through the earlier of the non-mark selective coho quota of 14,000 coho or the end of September.
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fishery managers have requested that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) calculate the number of fish that could be rolled forward on an “impact neutral” basis from the remaining summer fishery quota to the September non-mark selective fishery quota. “Impact neutral” means that the conversion of quota from the summer season to the September season will not result in increased impacts on any Endangered Species Act listed coho stock or any other stocks of management concern when compared to the preseason expectations. This calculation indicates that no more than 6,230 coho could be added to the non-mark selective coho salmon season and stay “impact neutral” on all coho stocks of management concern.
A conference call is scheduled with NMFS for September 14 to formalize the “roll-over” calculation. On that call, ODFW will have the opportunity to request that all or a portion of the available “roll-over” be added to the September non-mark selective coho season. A preliminary estimate of the harvest from the first 3-day opening in September will be presented during the call which may warrant further adjustments to the fishery, such as, adding additional open days per week or scheduling an earlier ending date if needed.
September 2, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon.
ACTION TAKEN:
- In the area from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon, OR, the landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit for marked coho will increase from 20 marked coho salmon per week to 50 marked coho salmon per week effective 12:01 AM on Friday, September 3, 2021.
RATIONALE: As of September 1, the commercial troll fishery N. of Cape Falcon has 7,869 Chinook and 3,168 marked coho remaining on quotas. Chinook availability to the troll fishery has dropped, and in order to access more of the remaining coho salmon quota this action is projected to result in the quota being met prior to the scheduled season ending date of September 30. All other regulations remain in effect.
August 26, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
Recreational ocean salmon angling within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), closes effective 12:01 AM on Monday, August 30, 2021 (Open Sunday closed Monday).
RATIONALE: The marked Coho Salmon harvest in this area is expected to approach the quota of 42,400 Coho Salmon by the end of the day on Sunday, August 29. Through Sunday, August 22 an estimated 33,960 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota leaving only 8,440 Coho Salmon remaining on the quota. During the week of August 16-22 there was an estimated harvest of 7,403 Coho Salmon. This same week of fishing had fair ocean weather conditions, and catch rates were very good at more than 1.6 salmon per angler. WDFW provided a forecast for the week of August 23-29 of 8,027 Coho Salmon for the week. That would bring the total landings to 41,987 coho out of the quota of 42,400 leaving only 413 coho remaining on the quota (<1% of the quota).
June 22, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season actions in the commercial troll salmon fishery:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) limit is increased to 20 Chinook per vessel per week in the commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border for the remaining two open periods of July 22-28 and July 29-31.
RATIONALE: Catches in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota fishery have lagged behind expectations. Through the first three open periods of July 1-7, July 8-14, and July 15-21 a total of 77 Chinook had been landed. This leaves a remainder on the quota of 139 Chinook. By increasing the weekly landing and possession limit to 20 Chinook it will provide a better chance of approaching the quota.
Participating vessels in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@state.or.us. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
July 20, 2021 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- Remaining Chinook quota from the May-June commercial troll salmon season North of Cape Falcon is rolled over to the July-September season on an impact-neutral basis. The July-September quota is increased from 15,375 to 16,931 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: A total of 9,818 Chinook were landed out of the May-June quota of 15,375 Chinook. The remaining 5,557 Chinook from the May-June US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon troll salmon fishery were evaluated for potential rollover on an impact neutral basis to the July-September troll salmon fishery in the same area. Due to the distribution of the May-June catch, when modeled only 28% of the impacts could be added to the summer quota. This resulted in a revised July-September Chinook quota of 16,931 fish.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)857-2546 or by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
June 25, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season actions in the commercial troll salmon fishery:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border will reopen to fishing July 1 with the following changes:
- The landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) limit is reduced to 10 Chinook per vessel per week.
- The quota for July is increased from 200 to 216 Chinook with the rollover of remaining Chinook from the June quota season.
- The incidental troll Pacific Halibut season will continue past the end of June (this is a required consultation and action by NOAA Fisheries each year).
RATIONALE: Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border July quota was increased by 16 Chinook on an impact neutral basis after an impact neutral rollover of the 24 Chinook remaining from the June quota of 300 Chinook. The June quota season closed on June 16 in order to stay within the quota. The revision to the weekly landing and possession limit for July is deemed necessary due to the very limited quota and anticipated vessel participation and catches.
Participating vessels in the Humbug Mt. to OR/CA Border are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@state.or.us. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
The incidental troll Pacific Halibut season each year must be authorized by NOAA Fisheries to continue past June 30. As of June 23, an estimated 88.6% of the quota remained, and the season will continue as scheduled during open troll salmon seasons from July 1 through the earlier of the quota of 45,198 lbs. or October 31.
June 16, 2021 ACTION NOTICE – Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and fishery representatives has taken the following in-season action in the commercial troll salmon fishery in the area from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon season fishery from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border closes to fishing at 11:59PM on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
RATIONALE: June landings through Tuesday, June 15 are estimated to be 271 Chinook out of the quota of 300 Chinook, leaving no more than 29 Chinook remaining on the June quota. The fishery is scheduled to reopen on July 1 on a quota of 200 Chinook for the month of July. Fishery managers anticipate revisiting the July season in late June to adjust to quota for any rollover from remaining June quota or possibly a reduction to the July quota if the June quota was exceeded. In addition, managers will be considering whether to reduce the weekly (Thursday through Wednesday) landing and possession limit from 20 to 10 Chinook per vessel. This is anticipated to occur on a call scheduled for June 25.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 252 or by email to kmzor.trollreport@state.or.us. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
June 3, 2021 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- The Chinook Salmon landing week (Thursday-Wednesday) limit in the area from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon is increased from 75 to 100 fish effective June 3.
RATIONALE: A total of 3,113 Chinook were landed out of the May-June quota of 15,375 Chinook. In the Washington areas of Neah Bay and LaPush only 850 Chinook have been landed out of the cap of 5,680 Chinook. In the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management area only 22 Chinook have been landed out of the cap of 4,195 Chinook. Both of these areas have been under weekly landing limits of 75 Chinook Salmon per vessel. By increasing the limits to 100 in each area, there is a greater likelihood that the caps and the overall quota will be better accessed by the fishery.
Oregon participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to either (541)857-2546, (541)867-0300 ext. 271, or by email to nfalcon.trollreport@state.or.us. Reports should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
April 20, 2021 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, and fishery representatives met today via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll salmon season from the US/Canada border to Cape Falcon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery for all salmon except coho from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will open for the period of May 1-15 as described in the 2020 season regulations. This season will follow the same rules and specifications adopted by the PFMC on April 15 for the 2021 seasons. This season will continue through the earlier of June 29; the May-June overall quota of 15,375 Chinook salmon; or the Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR May-June subarea quota of 4,195 Chinook salmon (see additional regulations below).
- The minimum length for Chinook salmon beginning with the May 1, 2021 season opening from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon will be 27” total length (this length will apply in all open seasons in this area through May 15, 2022 unless modified by in-season action).
RATIONALE: These actions will bring the adopted seasons from 2020 into compliance with the recently adopted seasons for 2021 which encompasses salmon seasons for the period of May 16, 2021 through May 15, 2020. Additional regulations that apply to vessels fishing out of Oregon North of Cape Falcon that apply to the 2021 seasons include:
- Vessels landing in Oregon are limited to only fishing between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR.
- Vessels landing into Oregon must possess a valid commercial license and a valid troll salmon permit.
- Vessels landing into Oregon are limited to locations on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, the beaches at Gearhart/Seaside and Cannon Beach, or into Garibaldi.
- Fishers may not possess Chinook salmon South of Cape Falcon, OR that are less than 28” total length, except that fishers may possess and land Chinook salmon that meet the minimum length of 27” total length on those dates when the troll salmon season has been closed South of Cape Falcon for 48 hours or more (those dates for the 2021 May through September seasons are anticipated to be May 8-9, May 24-25, June 3-4, June 10-11, June 17-18, June 24-25, July 1-4, July 10-11, July 17-18, July 24-25, July 31, August 7, August 13-14, and August 20-31).
- Vessels fishing in the area between Leadbetter Pt., WA and Cape Falcon, OR are limited to no more than 75 Chinook per landing week (Thursday through Wednesday) from May 1 though June 29, and all salmon must be delivered during the landing week or they will also apply against the week in which they are possessed and delivered.
- Vessels landing salmon in Oregon from any season North of Cape Falcon are required to notify ODFW within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing by either calling 541-857-2546 or sending notification via e-mail to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Notification shall include vessel name and number, number of salmon by species, port of landing and location of delivery, and estimated time of delivery.
4/16/2021 OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized their recommendations for 2021 ocean salmon seasons late in the evening on Thursday, April 15. Copies of the adopted seasons will be available at the PMFC’s website in the near future (www.pcouncil.org) in PreSeason Report III, and graphics of the recreational and commercial troll seasons have already been made available on www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/. Seasons from May 16 on are not official until final approval by the Secretary of Commerce, and adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for waters within 3 nautical miles of shore.
Klamath River fall Chinook salmon was a severely constraining stock on seasons from Cape Falcon through California. This year’s Columbia basin hatchery Coho salmon abundance is forecast to be one of the best since the late 1970s, and recreational coho quotas and seasons reflect this big increase. North of Cape Falcon, Chinook quotas were most restricted by tule fall Chinook from the Columbia, while the most constraining stock of wild coho were from the Queets River along the North Washington Coast.
Recreational Season Summary:
Ocean waters off the Columbia River from Leadbetter Pt., Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon will be open for recreational salmon fishing for all salmon except coho from June 19-26 with a one fish daily bag limit and a 22” minimum length.
The all salmon season North of Cape Falcon will open on June 27 and continue through the earlier of September 15 or quota with a hatchery mark selective coho quota of 42,400. There is also a Chinook guideline in this area of 7,200. The daily bag limit will be two salmon, but no more than one Chinook and all coho must have a healed adipose fin clip. Minimum length for Chinook is 22” and the coho minimum length is 16”.
Recreational Chinook seasons on the central Oregon Coast from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. opened on March 15 and will continue through October 31. The area from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA Border open for recreational Chinook beginning on June 19 and continue through August 15. The Chinook minimum length in all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border is 24”.
The hatchery mark selective coho salmon season from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA Border will be open from June 12 through the earlier of August 28 or the quota of 120,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. There will be also be a much more limited non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. in September. The September non-selective season will open on September 10, and be open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the earlier of September 30 or the quota of 14,000 non-mark selective coho. The open days in September may be adjusted in season. Coho minimum length of 16”.
All recreational anglers are limited to no more than 2 single point barbless hook per line when fishing for salmon, and for any species if a salmon is on board the vessel.
Commercial Troll Season Summary:
The commercial troll salmon seasons north of Cape Falcon will have limited Chinook quotas again this year. The fishery will be managed by quotas, season length, and vessel landing week (Thurs.-Weds.) limits. The early all salmon except coho season opens May 1 and will continue through the earlier of June 29 or the overall quota of 15,375 Chinook salmon, or the Leadbetter Pt. to Cape Falcon subarea cap of 4,195 Chinook. The early season will have a 75 Chinook per vessel per landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit.
The summer all salmon fishery north of Cape Falcon will open on July 1 and continue through the earlier of the overall Chinook quota of 15,375 Chinook or quota of 5,000 fin-clipped coho. Landing week (Thurs-Wed) limit of 20 adipose fin-clipped coho per vessel. Minimum lengths are 27” for Chinook, and 16” for coho. Vessels must land in the area or into Garibaldi. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all troll salmon seasons in this area. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2546 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination of fish, and estimated time of delivery. The mandatory report can also be made by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov Oregon vessels may only fish south of Leadbetter Pt., Washington.
NOTE: Any boats fishing in the area North of Cape Falcon and retaining Chinook that are greater than 27” but less than 28” must land all salmon into ports N. of Cape Falcon. Boats may only land Chinook in this size range into Garibaldi if the season S. of Cape Falcon has been closed more than 48 hours.
In the area from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank Line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.), and from Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border the first season is from March 20-April 30 for all salmon except coho.
From Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border, the next openings for all salmon except coho will be May 1-5, May 10-21, and May 26-31.
From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the all salmon except coho season dates in June include June 5-7, June 12-14, June 19-21, and June 26-28.
From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. for all salmon (all coho must be marked with a healed adipose fin-clip) the open dates include: July 5-7, July 12-14, July 19-21, July 26-28, August 1-4, August 8-10, and August 15-17. During these openings in July and August, salmon trollers may retain up to 20 hatchery fin-clipped coho per week (Thurs. through Weds.). Coho in possession must not exceed the number of Chinook in possession at any time. There is an overall quota of 10,000 marked coho for this season. If the coho quota is met prior to the last opening in August, then the season will continue for all salmon except coho for any remaining open days.
From September 1 through October 31 in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. the season will be open for all salmon except coho. Vessels are limited to no more than 75 Chinook per week (Thurs. through Weds.) during this season.
From Humbug Mt. to the OR/CA border, there are two quota seasons in June and July. During these seasons all salmon must be landed into Port Orford, Gold Beach, or Brookings. The June quota season will be open June 1 through the earlier of June 30 or a 300 Chinook quota with landing week (Thurs-Wed) limits of 20 Chinook per vessel. The July quota season will be open July 1 through the earlier of July 31 or a 200 Chinook quota with landing week (Thurs-Wed) limits of 20 Chinook per vessel. Unused quota from June may be transferred to the July quota period on an impact neutral basis. Mandatory call-in requirements within an hour of landing are in place for all quota managed seasons. Vessels must call in to (541)857-2538 with vessel name, vessel number, number of harvested salmon by species, port of landing, destination, and estimated time of delivery. The report may also be made by email to kmzor.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov
Other Information:
Both commercial troll salmon fishermen and recreational anglers should review the full regulations prior to participating in the ocean salmon fisheries. Single point barbless hooks are required in all ocean salmon seasons. Commercial salmon trollers are reminded that they are restricted to no more than 4 spreads per wire for all seasons from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border.
April 15, 2021 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met this morning via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the commercial troll Chinook salmon seasons off Oregon for the period of May 1-15:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will continue open as scheduled through May 5, will be closed May 6-9, and will reopen May 10-15.
- The commercial troll salmon from the Heceta Bank management line (43o 58’ 00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. will be open May 1-5 and May 10-15 (closed May 6-9).
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives are finalizing the ocean salmon season proposals at the PFMC meeting today. Due to very limited allowances for Klamath River fall Chinook salmon, significant season cuts are being made in Oregon and California. The closure from May 6-9 is one of many restrictions agreed to that will optimize access to the resource along industry recommendations.
Seasons from May 16, 2021 through early May 15, 2022, which are anticipated to be finalized tonight, and those seasons will still need approvals from NMFS, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, and the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The PFMC adopted season recommendations will be available at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon/ by Friday, April 16.
March 23, 2021: Notice of Public Hearings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be holding a series of public hearings on the ocean salmon season alternatives that went out for review. The hearing will all be hosted on-line using the RingCentral platform. Follow the links below for how to connect, and how to fill out a comment card to testify at the meetings. These hearings are as follows:
The alternatives are available in PreSeason Report II which can be found here: https://www.pcouncil.org/documents/2021/03/2021-preseason-report-ii.pdf/
The Oregon commercial troll and recreational alternatives are also available in a time/area graphic representation at: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/Regulations/docs/2021_March__PFMC_Alternatives_Maps.pdf
March 11, 2021 COMMERCIAL TROLL SALMON ACTION NOTICE:
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the State of Oregon, and the State of California met Wednesday evening via conference call and have taken the following in-season management action related to the scheduled March and April commercial troll Chinook salmon openings off Oregon:
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the areas from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43D 58’ 00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border will be delayed until March 20th (March 15-19 CLOSED). The early season will be open for all salmon except coho from March 20 through April 30 with a 28” minimum total length for Chinook Salmon, no more than 4 spreads per wire, and single-point barbless hooks required. Open dates in May, and for the remainder of the 2021 season, are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The commercial troll salmon fishery scheduled to open on March 15 in the area from the Heceta Bank management line (43D 58’ 00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. will NOT OPEN and will REMAIN CLOSED through April 30. Open dates in May and for the remainder of the 2021 season are still under development and will be defined at the April PFMC meeting and via further inseason action.
- The incidental commercial troll Pacific Halibut season will open for 2021 effective April 1 for those areas open for commercial troll Chinook salmon for those vessels with an incidental troll halibut permit issued by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) for the 2021 season. The Pacific Halibut regulations include a ratio limit of 1 halibut per each 2 Chinook plus 1 halibut outside of the ratio, a maximum of 35 halibut per trip, and a minimum head-on total length of 32 inches.
RATIONALE: Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that delaying the Chinook openings for Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line (43o58’00” N lat.). and from Humbug Mt. to the Oregon/California Border until March 20 would give trollers needed time to prepare to participate in the fishery. The closure from the Heceta Bank management line (43o58’00” N lat.). to Humbug Mt. was preferred by industry representatives as needed to help manage impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook in order to provide adequate opportunity as requested from fishery participants of the fishing seasons that are currently under development.
Seasons from May 16, 2021 through early May 15, 2022 are currently being developed (seasons prior to May 16 will be addressed through further inseason action). Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 6-9 and 12-15. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
March 11, 2021 RECREATIONAL OCEAN SALMON ACTION NOTICE:
ACTION TAKEN (no action): The planned ocean Chinook salmon season (all-salmon-except coho) will open as scheduled from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. from March 15 through May 15. The bag limit will be two salmon, except closed to retention of coho, with minimum size limits of 24” for Chinook and 20” for steelhead.
RATIONALE: The recreational ocean salmon fishery off Oregon in March, April, and early May typically has very low effort and Chinook catch. Fishery managers and industry representatives agreed that this opening would not create any difficulty in developing the remainder of the ocean seasons for the 2021 fishing year. Seasons from May 16, 2021 through early May 2022 are currently being developed. Season alternatives will be reviewed and a final season recommendation made at the Pacific Fishery Management Council public meeting April 6-9 and 12-15. Interested members of the public should visit www.pcouncil.org for information on how to participate in the April meeting.
2021 PRE-SEASON PLANNING: OCEAN SALMON MEETING NOTICE:
The 2021 Ocean Salmon Industry Group meeting (OSIG) is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2021. This pre-season planning meeting will provide a review of the 2020 seasons, take a first look at the 2021 salmon forecasts, and develop a set of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The OSIG meeting will be held virtually on-line this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic limitations (see details below).
Meeting Materials:
The OSIG meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2021 ocean salmon seasons. Staff from ODFW will provide background materials and presentations and then work with meeting attendees to develop preferred season alternatives to use as guidance moving forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's season setting process. This on-line meeting is planned to start at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 25. It is recommended that participants test their system prior to the meeting to iron out any technical problems they may have (option is available to call in by phone). There will be a lunch break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM that will also give participants time to formulate concepts for proposals. Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted at www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/salmon/ as they come available in January and February.
The first of the two salmon season setting meetings by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) will be held virtually to develop a set of season alternatives. The final season setting meeting will occur in April 2-11 and will also be conducted in a virtual setting. Please visit the PFMC’s website at www.pcouncil.org for details.
Topic: 2021 Ocean Salmon Industry Group Meeting
Time: Feb 25, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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September 8, 2020 - ACTION NOTICE - Recreational Ocean Salmon: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, members of the Salmon Technical Team, members of the Salmon Advisory Subpanel, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.:
ACTION TAKEN: The recreational non-selective Coho Salmon season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is now closed to retention of Coho Salmon for the remainder of the year. Angling for Chinook Salmon remains open through October within this area.
RATIONALE: The non-mark selective coho season opened on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5 on an adjusted quota of 4,650 Coho Salmon following the impact neutral rollover of coho remaining on the quota from the hatchery mark selective season which ended on August 16. The non-mark selective coho season was slated to run each Friday and Saturday in September through the earlier of the quota or September 30. The fishery opened with ocean conditions that ranged from fair to good and catch rates varied from fair to very good within the open area. Number of participating anglers was very high on the holiday weekend especially at Garibaldi and Newport.
The preliminary estimate of catch from the two day opening totaled 4,372 coho leaving only 278 coho remaining on the quota, and not enough coho for another day of fishing. Retention of all salmon except coho remains open through October 31, 2020 from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.
August 26, 2020 - ACTION NOTICE - Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational salmon fishery, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and members of the Salmon Technical Team, has taken the following in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain:
ACTION TAKEN:
- An impact neutral rollover of coho remaining from the mark selective summer season was made to the non-mark selective September season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. This resulted in a net increase of 1,650 coho in the non-selective coho quota and a revised quota of 4,650 coho.
- The non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. is open each Friday and Saturday from September 4 through the earlier of the revised quota or September 30. Open days within September may be adjusted by further action.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The recreational season in the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. landed an estimated 13,392 coho during the June 22 to August 16 mark selective season out of the quota of 22,000 adipose fin-clipped coho. This left 8,608 coho available to roll forward on an impact neutral basis to the non-selective coho season from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. which opens on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5. In September, the most constraining coho stock for the rollover calculation is Oregon Coastal Natural (OCN) coho, and OCN coho are anticipated to make up approximately 60% of the catch in the September non-selective season.
Angling for Chinook salmon (all-salmon except coho) is open 7 days per week through October 31 within the area from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. The Chinook salmon season (all-salmon except coho) from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt. will also reopen March 15, 2021 unless modified by in-season management action during the March Pacific Fishery Management Council by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
7/23/2020 ACTION NOTICE – Recreational Ocean Salmon: NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the recreational and the commercial ocean troll salmon fisheries, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season action with respect to the recreational salmon fishery in the area from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon.
ACTIONS TAKEN:
- Recreational ocean salmon angling within the Columbia River Ocean Salmon Management Area (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon), closes effective 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 26, 2020.
RATIONALE AND NOTES: The marked Coho Salmon harvest in this area is expected to approach the quota of 13,250 Coho Salmon by the end of the day on Sunday, July 26. Through Sunday, July 19 an estimated 9,164 Coho Salmon had been landed out of the quota leaving only 4,086 Coho Salmon remaining on the quota. The week of July 6-12, had an estimated 4,031 angler-trips and a harvest of 5,898 Coho Salmon. The most recent week of fishing (July 13-19) had very poor ocean weather conditions, but catch rates remained near a fish per angler for the boats that did make it out, with a total of 1,384 Coho Salmon landed from 1,558 angler-trips. This week the weather has improved, with good ocean conditions forecast through Friday and catch rates near 1.4 salmon per angler. WDFW provided a forecast for the week of July 20-26 Sunday of slightly less than 4,000 Coho Salmon landed for the week.
Prior to the call, the commercial troll fishery and the Westport recreational fishery offered up an extra 500 Coho Salmon to help insure that the fishery could stay open through Sunday without exceeding the quota. However, the best assessment by fishery managers was that there was no need to request the transfer at this time.
July 9, 2020 ACTION NOTICE - Commercial Troll Salmon (1 of 2): NOAA Fisheries in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, representatives from the commercial troll fishery, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, has taken in-season actions with respect to the commercial troll salmon fishery from the US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon:
ACTION TAKEN:
- Remaining Chinook quota from the May-June commercial troll salmon season North of Cape Falcon is rolled over to the July-September season on an impact-neutral basis. The July-September quota is increased from 13,820 to 25,499 Chinook salmon.
RATIONALE: A total of 2,141 Chinook were landed out of the May-June quota of 13,820 Chinook. The remaining 11,679 Chinook from the May-June US/Canada Border to Cape Falcon troll salmon fishery were evaluated for potential rollover on an impact neutral basis to the July-September troll salmon fishery in the same area. The impacts were neutral or better on all management stocks, and NOAA Fisheries approved the rollover on a 1:1 basis. This resulted in a revised July-September Chinook quota of 25,499 fish.
Participating vessels are reminded of the mandatory reporting of landings within one hour of delivery or prior to transport away from the port of landing. Reports may be made by phone to (541)867-0300 ext. 271 or by email to nfalcon.trollreport@odfw.oregon.gov. Report should include the vessel name and documentation number, the number of Chinook salmon being landed, the port of landing, the name of the fish buyer to whom the fish are being sold, and the estimated time of delivery.
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