With a record run of summer Chinook salmon returning to the Columbia River basin, fishers from the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama tribes are gearing up for over-the-bank public sales from now through July 31. But hurry: Fishers expect to sell at least half their scrumptious harvest by this weekend.

Folks can score fresh Chinook and steelhead from tribal fishers at points along the Columbia River banks in areas including Marine Park in Cascade Locks; Lone Pine in The Dalles; North Bonneville, a mile east of Bonneville Dam; and Columbia Point in Washington's Tri-Cities area. Fishers will not sell sockeye salmon at this time, but tribal officials may authorize sockeye sales in the near future.

Summer Chinook, historically called "June Hogs" thanks to their jumbo size, typically return from the sea to freshwater in June and July. Biologists predict this year's run of nearly 103,000 summer Chinook will comprise the third largest since at least 1957. Tribal fishers, however, plan a limited harvest of a little more than 5,000 summer Chinook.

"We're still in a conservative harvest framework," said fishery scientist Stuart Ellis of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. "But this year's summer Chinook run provides enough fish to allow some reasonable opportunities."

The Indian salmon harvest reflects age-old traditions cemented by an 1855 treaty between the four Columbia Basin tribes and the U.S. federal government. Nutrient-rich salmon, flush with heart-healthful omega-3 fatty acids, figure prominently in native culture. Tribal members have long honored its importance for food, religion and livelihood.

Indian fishers and scientists also link salmon's importance with stewardship, working
to restore once-robust runs decimated by dam construction and other challenges. Tribal staff and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission developed the restoration plan Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit, or "Spirit of the Salmon," to help replenish Columbia Basin fisheries.

All this makes for a brief period during which folks can savor fresh summer Chinook direct from a local fisher. So grab the car keys, bring a fish-holding cooler with ice and keep the following tips in mind:

• Sales from tribal fishers generally run 10 a.m. to dusk through July 31, but the amount of available fish will decrease with each passing week.
• Sales sites are along the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam in Oregon to the Tri-Cities in Washington.
• Most sales are cash only.
• Buyers should request a receipt.
• Tribal fishers can advise on topics including fish freshness and preparation.
• Times, days and locations might vary with vendors. Call the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission's toll-free recording at (888) 289-1855 for details.
• Questions? Call Kahseuss Jackson at CRITFC's Portland office, (503) 238-0667, or learn more online by clicking "2004 Summer Salmon Harvest" at www.critfc.org.