As a Sportfishing Advisor, I went to the Preseason Forecast meeting in Olympia yesterday that starts the salmon season setting process. Here's what I heard, with my spin added...

- Forecast method uses outmigrating smolts and previous year jack returns to estimate run - sometimes erratic, so DFW keeps forecast very conservative

- Smolt outmigration in 2000 (which would come back this year) is highest EVER recorded

- 2003 Jack counts in line with 1999 numbers

- Current estimate is 485K fish = 135K harvestable = 67K sport = about 6 days fishing

- Tribes current estimate is 700 - 900K fish - hang onto your seats!

- Over 750K MAY bring commercial nets in to LW due to Commission policy

- DFW will try to run the season as early as possible to minimize impact on Cedar River chinook - may be as early as July 1st

- DFW will convene a subset of Sportfishing Advisors to craft seasons as we get closer to July - try not to have a "surprise" season like last time

- DFW is planning on a season - probably not in regs pamphlet - issued via web & media

Looks good!

I can't wait!

Thanks for the info Tom. Sounds like its gonna be fun.

Thanks for the update Tom! Wow, commercials in Lake Washington.

Do you know of a good contact at the State to speak with to get updated information on the fishery?

The Sportfishing Advisors (like me) are supposed to be getting the word out, and I think the PSA chapters are staying pretty up on what's happening. I think that as it gets closer, it will be all over the media as well...

Were you looking for advice on how to do it? Or just advanced warning of when it will be?