Thanks to strong returns of both coho and fall Chinook salmon, Big Creek, on the North Oregon Coast, opened to salmon fishing two weeks early on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. The popular fishing spot near Big Creek hatchery in Tillamook County was scheduled to open to salmon fishing on Oct. 1. However, since the hatchery already has met its production goals, fishery managers decided to open the fishery early. “We’ve already met our production goals on Tule Chinook and have collected over 3,000 coho last week,” said Chris Lauman, ODFW hatchery supervisor at Big Creek Hatchery. “With coho thick in the creek, we thought it would be a good opportunity for the public to get some fishing in.” Under the rules announced today, Big Creek will be open from Sept. 17 to Dec. 31 for adipose fin-clipped coho and fall Chinook salmon with a daily bag limit of 2 adult salmon. The anti-snagging rules that normally go into effect on Oct. 1 also will go into effect on the 17th. The anti-snagging rules include: • Except when fishing with a buoyant lure, terminal gear is restricted to an artificial fly, lure or bait with a single-point hook. • Hooks must measure 3/4-inch or less from point to shank, and must be attached to or below the lure or bait. • Weights may not be attached below or less than 18 inches above the lure or bait.
