Stlhdr pretty much hit the issue directly on the head with this comment -

"you can go to where you know the fish are stacked about anytime after April 5th pretty much guarantee a limit for the boat..."

With the increased catch rates the he and other experience in that particular fishery any extended fishing in that area dramatically increase catch rates which equal dramatically shorter seasons. It should be clear to all by now that a major priority from both States is proving as much time on the water as possible (equals more man-days of fishing which equals more $$$). Allowing fishing in areas and times with high catch rates must led to less time on the water.

Everyone needs to keep in mind that Columbia River spring Chinook is limited by wild fish impacts; unless the ratio of hatchery to wild can be changed by fishing site selection the more fish handled the shorter the season.

Tight lines
Curt