Low sockeye salmon returns lead to fishery changes in Columbia

OLYMPIA — Changes are coming to planned sockeye salmon fisheries throughout the Columbia River, as early return data shows abundances are much lower than preseason forecasts.

Based on current run size information, recreational sockeye fisheries in the upper Columbia River will not open July 1, and the Hanford Reach sockeye fishery, which opened June 16, closed on June 20.