BEND — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials today announced spring chinook angling will be closed on the Deschutes and Hood rivers this year to protect low predicted returns of wild fish.

The rivers are listed in the state’s annual fishing regulations as closed to salmon angling, and are opened only by order of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission on years when fish returns are robust enough to allow limited harvest.

While returns during the past several years have allowed angling on the Deschutes and Hood rivers, 2006 spring chinook predictions are not sufficient to allow harvest.

“We are concerned that any additional angling pressure may jeopardize spawning success and harm future production,” said Rod French, ODFW District Fisheries biologist.

However, French said angling for steelhead and trout remains open in both rivers and offers excellent opportunities. In addition, managers predict a strong return of fall chinook to the Deschutes and could recommend an open season there starting Aug. 1.

Anglers are encouraged to consult the 2006 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations before angling in these rivers.