ODFW release - CLACKAMAS, Ore. —Fishery managers are delaying the sockeye retention opener on the Columbia River until at least June 27 as the run is returning lower than forecasted.  The season is now scheduled for June 27-July 5, but anglers should keep a close eye on action notices and the in-season regulations updates page as further changes may be necessary.  This year's planned summer salmon and steelhead fisheries for the Columbia River included sockeye retention from June 23 through July 5. These fisheries were developed during the North of Falcon season-setting process, and the planned sockeye retention fishery was based on a preseason forecast of 274,900 sockeye returning to the Columbia River mouth.  While still early in the return, passage through June 17 totals just over 8,900 fish which is roughly 30-40 percent of expected for this timeframe given the preseason forecast.  To make sure fisheries stay within conservation limits at what appears to be a lower return than forecasted, while still allowing for incidental mortality from the on-going steelhead fishery and allowing sockeye retention over the July 4 weekend, fishery managers are rescinding the initial four days of the planned sockeye season.  Delaying the sockeye retention start by four days will reduce the expected harvest by about 40 percent and help maintain management flexibility for future in-season adjustments.  "Columbia River sockeye harvest is managed to provide protection for the endangered Snake River component of the run, so we always manage fisheries very carefully. Given the uncertainty in the run size at this point and recognizing the potential for challenging migration conditions this summer, we are taking a precautionary in-season approach to this year's sockeye fishery," said Jeff Whisler, ODFW's Columbia River Fisheries Manager. "Anglers planning to fish for sockeye should keep a close eye on our fishery action notices and the in-season regulation updates page. The season could change further as the run becomes clearer, and we balance fishing opportunity with conservation objectives."