KENNEWICK, Wash. - This year's spring Chinook Salmon run population is exceeding early forecasts, potentially leading to changes in the salmon season.

The spring salmon season is now open, prompting fishery managers to closely track returning populations in the Columbia River.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reports that approximately 152,000 upriver spring adult Chinook are expected to return to the Columbia River.

Todd Miller with WDFW explained that the number has already changed this season.

"It's kind of a weekly thing during the season. Sometimes they get downgraded so things can totally turn around," Miller said. "But from the beginning forecast to the mouth, it has been upgraded. I think this is the second or third time and we've bumped the season at least once."

The first forecast by WDFW estimated nearly 122,000 Chinook to return to the river.

Miller said more fish does not mean bigger catch limits, but it could result in more open fishing days.

Miller emphasized the importance of handling and releasing Chinook carefully, especially if anglers don't plan to keep them.

"These fish have already traveled hundreds of miles to get here. These spring Chinook are actually going to be in the system now for several months. They don't spawn until the fall," Miller said. "They're late August/September spawners."

With changes constantly occurring, Miller suggested checking the Department of Fish and Wildlife's website for fishing regulations. WDFD says fishing regulations can change during the season while fish populations are monitored.

More information about catch limits can be found here.

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