The upcoming spring Chinook seasons for the mainstem Columbia River announced Wednesday by Washington and Oregon are almost exactly the same as the initial seasons that were set in 2024.

California reopens limited Chinook salmon fishing on Mokelumne, Feather, and American Rivers in July. Regulations aim to protect and balance salmon stocks.

Spring-run Chinook salmon are also a preferred and primary food for Southern Resident orcas, which are themselves listed as endangered, having a population of only 73 individuals.

Chinook salmon were once abundant in the North Yuba River in California’s Sierra Nevada. But since 1941, they’ve been kept out of the chilly, clear waters by the Englebright Dam.

Smith: Chinook salmon add bursts of life to Root River in Racine The annual return of chinook salmon on spawning migrations to the Root River in Racine also draws anglers.