3 things to know before heading out to play

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Low Chinook runs predicted for local waters 

Looking ahead, the future does not look bright for spring Chinook on the lower Columbia River and its tributaries. A recent announcement by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) stated that a dismal projection for returning spring kings will force constraints on the popular fishing season going forward.

Those projections call for only 99,300 upriver spring Chinook to enter the Columbia River this year. That number would represent a 14-percent decrease from last year and a 50 percent dip from the 10-year average.

Additionally, fishery managers from both Oregon and Washington are expecting a devastating decrease in lower river turners that make up the vast majority of the runs to area tributaries like the Cowlitz, Kalama and Lewis rivers. Specifically, just 11 percent of the ten-year average for spring Chinook are expected to reach those lower Columbia River arterials in 2019.

As per tradition, those alarmingly low returns are being blamed on poor ocean conditions.

“Anglers will still find some good fishing opportunities in the Columbia River Basin this spring, but conservation has to be our first concern,” said WDFW Columbia River policy coordinator, Ryan Lothrop, in a press release. “We have a responsibility to protect salmon runs listed under the federal Endangered Species Act and get enough fish back to the spawning grounds and hatcheries to support future runs.”

Below Bonneville Dam, new regulations were implemented at the end of February in order to protect those imperiled stocks of springers. From March 1 through April 10 anglers between Warrior Rock and the Bonneville dam will be allowed two salmon, two steelhead, or one of each per day. However, only one of those fish may be a Chinook. Below Warrior Rock salmon fishing will be shuttered in order to protect fish trying to make it to the Cowlitz and Lewis rivers. Those two rivers are now closed, as of March 1, but steelhead retention will remain open. On the Kalama River anglers will be able to target salmon and steelhead but the daily limit is now reduced to include just one adult salmon per day. 

In the press release, Lothrop pointed out that this year’s anticipated return of 99,300 upriver spring chinook would be the lowest since 2007. However, the lowest return on record was a paltry 12,800 springers in 1995.

“Experience has shown that warm-water ocean conditions present a challenge to salmon survival,” Lothrop insisted in the official release. “As in the 1990s, we have observed that cyclical warming effect during the past few years with similar results. During these times, we have to be especially cautious in how we manage the fishery.”

Next round of razor clam digs starts March 16 

The next round of razor clam digs is now scheduled to begin on March 16, so long as marine toxin testing proves the succulent bivalves are safe for consumption. That batch of digs will signal a shift from evening digs to morning digs with only the first three dates offering opening to afternoon sessions. During evening digs no digging is allowed before noon. On morning digs no digging is allowed after noon.  

The proposed razor clam digs, along with low tides and beaches, are listed below:

• March 16, Saturday, 3:43 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis (during the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival). 

• March 17, Sunday, 4:43 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors (during the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival), Mocrocks. 

• March 21, Thursday, 7:48 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Mocrocks. 

Switch to a.m. tides:

• March 22, Friday, 8:14 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch;

• March 23, Saturday, 9:01 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Kalaloch



• March 24, Sunday, 9:49 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch

• April 6, Saturday, 8:05 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

• April 7, Sunday, 8:42 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• April 8, Monday, 9:20 a.m.; 0.0 feet; Mocrocks

• April 20, Saturday, 7:58 a.m.; -1.1 feet; Long Beach (during the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival), Twin Harbors, Copalis;

• April 21, Sunday, 8:42 a.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• April 22, Monday, 9:25 a.m.; -1.0 feet; Twin Harbors Mocrocks

According to the WDFW’s coastal shellfish manager, Dan Ayres, additional digging dates will be considered if data indicates that there are enough resident clams remaining for harvest.

Ayres always recommends that diggers hit the beach about an hour or two prior to low tide for the best results. He also advises diggers to bring sufficient lighting for evening digs.

All razor clam diggers age 15 and older are required to possess a valid fishing license in order to partake. State law allows diggers to harvest up to 15 clams per person and each clam dug must be taken regardless of size or condition.

Mount St. Helens passes pushed back 

After a delay due to the federal government shutdown, the exceedingly popular permits for climbing Mount St. Helens will go on sale beginning March 18.

Those permits are necessary for all high elevation climbs between April 1 and October 31 in order to limit the number of climbers to around 100 people per day. The permits are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis and typically sell out within a matter of days, if not sooner.

Permits cost $15 per person with a $6 fee per permit reservation. Climbing      groups are limited to 12 people per group.

A press release from the U.S. Forest Service noted that this year the names of all climbers in the group will be required when making the purchase. Climbers will also be required to carry identification with them that matches the reservation. Permit holders will be allowed to change the identity of members of their group up until two weeks before the climb date.

“Climbing to the summit of Mount St. Helens is a unique way for people to experience and appreciate the beauty of this amazing landscape,” said Mount St. Helens Monument Ranger Rebecca Hoffman, in the press release.

Permits can be obtained online at Recreation.gov. Additional information can be found online at fs.usda.gov/goto/climbingmsh.