Poor smelt returns again expected in 2010

This news might be a hard pill to swallow for those who enjoy smelt dipping in the Lower Columbia River and Cowlitz River.

Fisheries managers are predicting another poor smelt return in 2010, but it could be somewhat better than this past year.

"If you boil it all down [a recently released 47-page joint staff report] it suggests smelt returns will be a little better, but last year's forecast wasn't much either and we're still stuck in a trend of small returns," said Joe Hymer, a state Fish and Wildlife biologist.

The commercial catch in 2009 totaled 12,100 pounds [5,900 in 2008] from the Cowlitz River, and 5,600 pounds [11,400] from the Columbia River mainstem. The record lowest total commercial catch since 1938 was 200 pounds in 2005, and the second lowest was 8,300 pounds in 2007.

Commercial catches in the 1990s totaled millions of pounds, and stayed relatively high through the early 2000s.

The positive side for 2010 includes modest improvements in adult smelt returns during 2006; a moderately improved 2-year-old smelt by-catch in the Canadian ocean shrimp fisheries last year; and good ocean conditions from 2007 to 2009.

On the flip side there were low Columbia mainstem smelt larval densities during winters from 2005-07; decreasing adult smelt biomass estimates from the Fraser River in British Columbia; and weak adult smelt landings in brood years of 2005 and 2007.

Last year, the Columbia mainstem was open daily for sport smelt fishing with a 25-pound per person daily limit.

The tributary sport season was restricted to the Cowlitz River from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays only, with a 10-pound per person daily limit.

"There was low to no sport catch in the Columbia mainstem, and the Cowlitz itself, even though we don't have much monitoring, suggests it was pretty light catches there too," Hymer said.

Washington and Oregon fisheries meet Thursday and will likely recommend the 2010 smelt season operate consistent with Level One fisheries.

Level One fisheries are made when there is great uncertainty in run strength or indications for a poor return.

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposed smelt for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act, and a final outcome will be made by this spring. The listing of smelt spawning in rivers would cover all areas south of the Nass River in northern British Columbia.

"It could potentially shut down the [Columbia River area] fisheries or they may keep the current level of euchalon catches in place and that may be enough. But, the feds may think otherwise," Hymer said.

Notes

• The Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall is hosting a Snow Tracking and Winter Survival Weekend, Feb. 5-7 at the Skalitude Retreat Center in Twisp. It is open to ages 18 and older. Skills covered include winter-shelter building, wildlife tracking, plant uses, physiology of survival and the survivalist mindset. Cost is $375, including organic meals and lodging. The school is a national not-for-profit environmental education organization established in 1983. Details: 425-788-1301 or www.wildernessawareness.org.

• The Eastside Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. N.E. "Sky Guy" Ryley Fee will discuss winter steelhead fishing. Details: 425 408-1930.

• State Fish and Wildlife has extended the public-comment period on a new draft conservation plan for rockfish in Puget Sound through Jan. 4, and they will host three more meetings. To view the plan go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/management/rockfish. To receive a copy, call 360-902-2844. Three species of rockfish in Puget Sound — bocaccio, yelloweye and canary rockfish — are being considered for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. E-mail comments to SEPAdesk2@dfw.wa.govor fax 360-902-2946 or mail to Washington Fish and Wildlife, SEPA Desk, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.

• The Washington Fly Fishing Club is hosting a beginning fly-tying class starting Jan. 7 at the Mercer Island Covenant Church, 3200 78th S.E. Cost is $45. Details: 206-542-4623.

• The new nonprofit Cascade Musky Association is looking for members. Cost is $25 or $35 for a couple/family membership. Details: www.cascademuskyassociation.com or www.wafish.com.

• The Washington Fly Fishing Club meeting is 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Seattle Tennis Club. Please RSVP to attend meetings. Details: www.WFFC.com.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com