Free Fishing Weekend
Yes it's officially fishing season here in the great Pacific Northwest I’m Susan Allen this is Open Range stay tuned after the break. Expect "Fishandos" to come out in droves throughout our three states this weekend to fish for free! Events in each state are designed to introduce more youth to the sport of fishing and also entice folks who have put it on the back burner to get their rods and reels out ....No license will be required to fish all weekend in Washington and Oregon and fishing is free Saturday only in Idaho, but remember all other regulations and rules remain in affect to fish or gather shellfish. Early spring anglers and all of us hiking or riding the woods or high country should also remember to tread lightly, and keep the family dog under control as it’s nursery season, birds and baby animals are abundant. Forgo the urge to rescue that baby fawn you stumble upon by the creek as does leave newborn alone temporarily to avoid drawing predators with their own body scent . Salmon fishing has begun earnest throughout the Northwest and on the coast will run until mid-September. Idaho is the only inland western state with ocean-run salmon and steelhead, IdahoState records are 54 pounds for salmon and 30 pounds, 2 ounces for steelhead. The Columbia River tributary numbers look strong this season nearly 653,000 fall Chinook are forecasted to return to the mighty river of the west this season, about 234,000 more Chinook than the number returning last year. If you can make it out to the Coast our coast wide Chinook quota is 61,000 fish, compared to 20,500 last year. Get out and enjoy the weekend and catch some keepers. I’m Susan Allen