The answer to that question lies in the unique life histories of different species of salmon that come from different river systems. Not all species of salmon that return to Oregon's rivers are endangered. Some can be caught in the ocean because they are not mixed together with other species that are protected. Today, there are three distinct commercial salmon fisheries in Oregon. An ocean troll chinook fishery along the Oregon coast.
Trollers catch fish by slowly trailing baited lines through the water.
A non-Indian gillnet fishery on the lower Columbia River. About 100 fishermen participate in a special fishery for aquaculture-raised salmon in Youngs Bay. Gillnetters, who use a net that entangles fish by the gills, can also catch hatchery runs if there is a surplus. In addition, sturgeon gillnetters are allowed to keep 100 spring chinook caught accidentally while fishing for sturgeon. A treaty Indian gillnet fishery on the Columbia River between Bonneville and McNary dams.