SALMON FISHING -- The late surge if spring chinook salmon in the Columbia River is good news for salmon lovers.

Fish managers today announced the reopening of fishing season on a stretch of the lower river -- and tribal fishermen have been given the nod to sell their fresh-caught fish at certain sites along the river from Cascade Locks to The Dalles.

The Columbia River Compact on Tuesday approved, effective that evening, the sale or retention of chinook, steelhead, sockeye, coho, walleye, shad, yellow perch, catfish, bass, and carp caught by tribal fishermen from traditional river side platforms with hook and line or dip or hoop nets. The fishery in Zone 6 reservoirs between Bonneville and where Columbia wanders north from the Oregon-Washington state line is open until further notice.

Just minutes ago, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department announced that with the upper Columbia spring chinook forecast upgraded from the initial prediction of 198,400 to 210,000, a stretch of the Lower Columbia will be reopened to sport fishing. Check here for the emergency rules.

It's not clear whether the Snake River will be reopened following the closures to take effect this weekend.

Meanwhile, tribal fishers may be found selling fish at a number of locations along the river at:

• Marine Park at Cascade Locks,
• Lone Pine at The Dalles,
• Boat launch near Roosevelt, Wash.

Information on where the day’s catch is being sold is online or call (888) 289-1855.

Price is determined at the point of sale and sales are cash only.