From a public relations firm, the following release should mean decreased costs for salmon fans:

Every year, biologists forecast how many salmon will return to the different watersheds in the Pacific Northwest. They base their predictions on a variety of factors including smolt release numbers, ocean temperatures, and fishery testing, though having so many variables lowers the reliability of these estimates. In spite of this, several 2009 predictions, including one from the Pacific Fishery Management Council, suggest that 2009 may be one of the strongest years of late for salmon returns throughout the northwest. 

Initial reports from fishing guides on southwest Vancouver Island also indicate that the area is in for a banner year. Catch numbers and fish-size show the most promise in seven years. Since charter operators who fish these offshore banks intercept most of the salmon runs headed south, potentially catching fish from dozens of different rivers in the same morning, they gain a strong understanding of salmon trends. These guides note that generally, when the early season gets off to a slow start, the rivers continue to experience smaller run sizes through July. Conversely, when fishing is productive by late May, the Canadian fishing fleet has learned to expect a very productive year.

Sam Vandervalk, of Salmoneye Charters, reports that King salmon fishing for 2009 has been spectacular for May and June, which indicates that the area should continue to have strong runs throughout the season. "We haven't seen fishing like this since 2001," Mr. Vandervalk says, "and 2001 was a very, very good year." According to his fishing reports, boats are consistently catching limits of 10-25 pound fish, unusual for early June. He credits the good numbers in part to the Canada-US salmon treaty which was ratified a few months ago. Also, commercial salmon allocation numbers have been greatly reduced on both sides of the border, so this should mean more returning Chinook (Kings) and Coho (Silvers) for the ocean angler.

You can visit Salmon Eye Charter's website at www.salmoneye.net or contact them by emailing fishing@salmoneye.net.