FISHING – Anglers fishing a section of the lower Columbia River will have one extra day to retain unmarked fall chinook salmon this month under an agreement reached today by fishery managers from Washington and Oregon.

That agreement allows anglers fishing from the Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upriver to the Warrior Rock line to retain either a marked or unmarked chinook through Sunday, Sept. 7, before a new rule takes effect requiring the release of all unmarked chinook.

The agreement delays the effective date of the previous regulation by one day, said Ron Roler, a fishery manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“This year’s fall chinook run has been coming in more slowly than expected, easing fishing pressure on wild fish,” Roler said. “That allows us to ease up a bit on our harvest restrictions and still meet established conservation guidelines.”

Hatchery-reared salmon are marked for identification by clipping the fatty adipose fin near their tail. Wild salmon are generally not marked.

Through Sept.14, the daily catch limit for anglers fishing in the affected area is two adult salmon, or two hatchery steelhead, or one of each – but only one chinook salmon. However, all unmarked chinook must be released starting Sept. 8.