In a move that's sure to have fishing enthusiasts casting their lines with glee, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon have jointly decided to extend the recreational spring Chinook salmon fishing season on the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam. The extension, which goes through this Thursday, April 11, gives anglers a couple more days to try their luck in the waters.

This latest decision comes as a bit of a surprise, given that the stretch from Buoy 10 to Bonneville Dam was slated to shut down today. However, the states' fishery managers are letting the good times roll, or should we say swim, on the heels of current catch estimates which can support a couple more days of fishing.

Last week's Columbia River Compact hearing and fresh-off-the-boat catch estimates were key factors in pushing this extension through, as provided by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Note, that a hearing to discuss this two-day bonus wasn't part of the deal, as officials from both states are knee-deep in preparations for the summer and fall seasons with the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Bank angling with hand-cast is only permitted from Beacon Rock up to the Bonneville Dam deadline. Those managing the fishery will be keeping their eyes on the prize, monitoring catches and the passage counts at Bonneville Dam like hawks as the season progresses into mid-May.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is on a mission: to preserve, protect, and perpetuate not just the fish, but wildlife and ecosystems at large, ensuring sustainable recreational and commercial fishing opportunities for all.