Limited sales have been ongoing, but on Tuesday August 19, the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama tribes begin the fall commercial fishery which will increase the number of Chinook, coho, steelhead, walleye, shad and carp available for purchase by the public directly from tribal fishers.

Fisheries biologists estimate in their pre-season forecast that 305,000 upriver fall Chinook will enter into the Columbia River; a number slightly higher than last year. Based on this estimate the tribes anticipate a tribal harvest of close to 90,000 fall Chinook. Once the fishery begins biologists will track the returning run size and adjust the harvest levels accordingly. Based on pre-season forecasts and planned harvest levels, the tribes anticipate that sales will continue into late September.

The tribal fishery is structured to offer a healthy supply of fish for the public through over-the-bank sales throughout the area. Common sales locations are along the Columbia River including: Marine Park in Cascade Locks, Lone Pine in The Dalles, North Bonneville - one mile east of Bonneville Dam and Columbia Point in Washington's Tri-Cities area. The fall season fisheries are very important to tribal fishing families and provide an important economic benefit to communities along the river.

“The fall fishery is not just about getting the best quality salmon available,” says Les Brown, salmon marketing specialist for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. “It’s about experiencing the tribal harvest-standing toe-to-toe with tribal fishers on the banks of the Columbia River and being part of this ancient tradition.”

The Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama tribes continue to restore once-robust salmon runs of Columbia River salmon which allows people to experience the Columbia River Indian salmon harvest. So grab your car keys, pack a cooler with ice and while you’re heading up river keep the following tips in mind:

• Sales from tribal fishers generally run from 10 a.m. to dusk.
• Price is determined at the point of sale.
• Most sales are cash only.
• Buyers should request a receipt.
• Tribal fishers can advise on topics including fish freshness and preparation.

The public is urged to call the salmon marketing program at (888) 289-1855 before heading up the river to find out where the day’s catch is being sold. More information is available on the salmon marketing website indiansalmonharvest.com.