NORTH BEND - After a downturn in fall chinook numbers last year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is taking some extra precautions, to ensure the future of Chinook in coastal bays, rivers and the ocean.

ODFW held their second of four meetings along the coast to discuss fall chinook fisheries in the Coos, Coquille, Umpqua and Elk rivers including present forecasts and regulation change proposals.

It was also an opportunity for the public to give their input on those proposed regulation changes.

"We have had low chinook spawning escapements this year as we had last year. In order to make sure we get enough back to our spawning grounds, we want to try and protect the spawners while still offering some angling opportunities with hatchery fish."

Mike Gray, with the ODFW, says proposed regulation changes for the fall season include reducing daily bag limits and seasonal bag limits, closing certain areas to fishing, and reducing the number of days a week anglers can fish.

The reaction from the anglers was mixed.

Most were opposed to a reduced bag limit regulation but felt that changing upstream deadlines was important.

"Since the 1950s, we've had a general upward trend on fall Chinook but within that, we've had ups and downs, peaks and valleys. We seem to be in one of those valleys right now, we're hoping it will turn around in a year or two."

ODFW will compile the public input and put together a final list of proposed regulations which will be submitted to the ODFW Commission at their June meeting.