Columbia shad returns dwindle

FISHERIES – American shad made a big splash in 2004 with a record run of 5.4 million fish counted moving over the fish ladders at Bonneville Dam and into the mid-Columbia.

This year’s run paled in comparison, with 1.4 million, the lowest total since 1.2 million shad swam over Bonneville in 2000.

Shad, which are not native to the Columbia, enter the lower river below Bonneville at numbers ranging up to 20 million in a good year, federal fisheries officials say.

U.S. Geological Survey researcher Mike Parsley said recent cool ocean conditions that have helped boost Pacific salmon survival may have been a deterrent to shad, which are native to warmer East Coast waters.

Parasites and disease also could be the cause.

Shad were imported from the Hudson River to the West Coast in 1871 at the request of the California Fish Commission.

The first recorded sighting in the Columbia was in 1876. Today American shad range from Baja California, Mexico, to Alaska.

Researchers are trying to determine the pros and cons of shad to the survival of native salmon and steelhead.

Staff and wire reports

Fire closes PCT section

HIKING – A portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has been closed due to a fire burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.

Hikers should check the status of the trail closure and the Lemah Fire in the Cle Elum Ranger District before heading out to the Pete Lake trail and that section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Info: (509) 852-1100.

Rich Landers

Federation cuts top position

FLY FISHING – Citing tight finances, the Federation of Fly Fishers board of directors has decided to eliminate its president’s position.

Federation president Peter Van Gytenbeek said the organization will be lucky to break even this year.

He doesn’t know what he’ll do, but he says the other staff members at the federation will carry on from headquarters in Livingston, Mont.

The Federation of Fly Fishers has about 13,000 members. It is dedicated to bettering the sport of fly fishing through conservation and education.

It has been headquartered in Livingston since the early 1990s.

Associated Press