12/14/2015 – J. W. Snyder – NWFN
Today the Oregon Department of fish and wildlife released the Willamette river spring chinook run forecast for 2016. Estimates of approximately 70,000 springers are expected to hit the Willamette with 8000 of them being on their way to the Clackamas. In 2015 the runs size was estimated at only 55,000 but these estimates were crushed when a whopping 87,000 fish arrived. Although the 2016 estimated numbers are lower than the actual numbers recorded for last year, they are still predicting a healthy run which should be good news for Oregon anglers. If the weather water conditions hold up for 2016, next years spring chinook season should add up to another banner one on the Willamette.