FISHING -- It's been a great salmon fishing season on the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, as anglers have smashed the fall chinook harvest record with a week of fishing remaining in the season.

Last week, about 2,465 anglers in the Hanford Reach between McNary and Priest Rapids Dams harvested about 2,566 fall chinook (2,467 adults and 98 jacks), said Paul Hoffarth, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist.

"To date, more than 35,000 fall chinook have been harvested in the Hanford Reach by 47,770 anglers," he said. "This is a record harvest for fall Chinook in the Hanford Reach exceeding last year’s record of 32,427 chinook.

The fishery will close on October 31. 

"Overall, anglers fishing in the Hanford Reach average 3.4 chinook per boat, 4.5 angler hours per fish, slightly better than the week prior," Hoffarth said. "Bank anglers are picking up a few fall chinook each day at the Ringold Springs Access area.  This past week 60 chinook were harvested off the bank."

Here's another angle on the fishery for anglers who want to get involved. 

Hanford Reach “King of the Reach” Wild Broodstock Collection Project

WDFW is collecting wild broodstock by “hook and line” for Priest Rapids Hatchery this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (October 30 – November 1).  This is a unique opportunity for anglers to fish the late season in the upstream areas of the Hanford Reach and help WDFW improve the genetics of our hatchery produced fall Chinook. 

WDFW is estimating over 200,000 fall Chinook will be spawning in the Hanford Reach this year so the fishing should be excellent.  Hatchery fish tankers will be parked at the two boat launches to collect live wild chinook caught during the three day project.  Fish will need to be immediately transported alive back to the boat launch after landing to ensure survival of the fish until ready to spawn.  No harvest is allowed during this project. 

Any anglers who would like to participate in this project are welcome to volunteer.  Anglers must register each morning at either the Vernita or White Bluffs boat launches to participate.

Info: Paul Hoffarth, (509) 545-2284 or email Paul.Hoffarth@dfw.wa.gov.

 A salmon derby will be held during the project, sponsored y the Tri-Cities Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association. 

Thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded to derby participants for the most live salmon turned in per boat per day and overall for the three day event. 

Random prizes will be awarded as well. 

Derby entries will be available at www.ccawashington.org/KingoftheReach and selected sporting goods stores. 

Info: Don McBride, CCA Tri-Cities President  (509) 554-9202, email don.mcbride@live.com or Dana Mueller (509) 554-9159, email  damueller57@hotmail.com.