Throw out the forecast in that chart above.  The annual return of spring chinook salmon to the Columbia River is likely to be just half of what was predicted earlier this year, according to a committee of salmon managers in the basin.

Members of the Technical Advisory Committee said the return of spring chinook to the Columbia River is likely to be between 120,000 to 150,000. The previous prediction, made before the run started, was 298,900.

So far this year only 66,000 spring chinook have returned past Bonneville Dam. Another 20,000 chinook have been caught in sport and commercial fisheries in the lower Columbia. Based on those numbers the run could be half done at Bonneville.

Members of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet by telephone Thursday to be briefed on the new prediction and to consider changes to the ongoing salmon fishing season on several Idaho rivers that started late last month.