I predict it will be a disappointing day tomorrow, based on last years returns. I'll still go on the weekend, but I'm not missing work for it.
Where did you get the return numbers? Never really looked for them before.
However bleak they may be...tomorrow's potential is not just a whim. Even if the run is late or small there is no denying that dozens or even a hundred or more fish are eagerly waiting for a run...I have seen a few bright fish every time I've visited the hatchery in the past couple of weeks.
This is also the historical peak starting point for the runs return...theoretically the mouth could even be swarming with fish. Now, the weirs could prevent most from making their journey...but wait!
Have you seen the river level?

Forget the useless kayak cam. This real time chart tells me that the river is currently prime at 1.2 - 1.5 feet...at least at the spots I like to go to. I presume that the other pools would be equally fishable at this level. Any higher there is too much flow, and you can't get your lure to sink enough without adding weight. Also, each segment of the chart is 4 hours, so the height will maintain until daybreak and for several hours afterward...unless the dam is released (little chance of that) the river will be a perfect height.
Now, couple this with a high tide at 5ish...well now you've got fish moving into a perfectly flowing river at first light...how can you fail? A river that you can cast to the other side, directly intercepting fish that you know are coming up...just get something shiny in the water and it's a sure thing. Personally, I don't think that first light is a necessity, but hey...why not have all the odds in your favour.
Also, my reasoning for not using bait is also due to the limited possible fish present. Bait casting is too slow...with lures you can keep an active trigger in front of the travel lane more of the time. With a higher collection of fish present you can use bait...but the Cap fish mostly zoom up river in 2 hours or less.
Tomorrow is a rare perfect storm.
However, don't give up on the weekend...you can always try the random odds too.
P.S.
This is the best tide chart...tideforecast.com

Easiest to read and visualize...It has a real time dot that moves with the tide (not shown)