To expand opportunity for anglers to fish for one of Idaho's most prized game fish, Idaho Fish and Game will release Chinook salmon into the Boise River on Friday, June 24.
The salmon will be released sometime after noon at the Glenwood, West Parkcenter, Barber Park and Americana release sites. There will be no parking available at the Americana release site due to construction and space limitations. Anglers need to park at Ann Morrison Park or other areas.
Fish and Game hopes to release 100 to 150 salmon, but exact numbers will depend on how many are trapped at the contributing hatchery weir.
"Numbers are not certain, but enough to provide to some great opportunities right here in Boise,” said Sam Sharr, Fish and Game Anadromous Fisheries Coordinator.
Besides a fishing license, anglers need a salmon permit. Anglers will be allowed to keep two Chinook salmon per day, regardless of size. The possession limit will be six salmon, regardless of size. Jack salmon - those less than 24 inches - do not need to be carded but count towards your daily bag limit. Adult salmon - those 24 inches or longer - must be recorded on an angler's salmon permit. Anglers are allowed to harvest 20 adult Chinook salmon statewide during 2016 salmon seasons occurring prior to September 1.
The Boise River will open to fishing for Chinook salmon from June 21 through August 30. The opportunity to catch salmon during this period will be contingent upon excess fish trapped at hatcheries and fish being available to release.
Fishing hours for Chinook salmon on the Boise River is permitted 24 hours per day and barbless hooks are not required.
For a complete list of rules for Chinook fishing on the Boise River, pick up a rules brochure at any Fish and Game office. The brochure is also available online at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fish/chinook.
With the river floating season open, anglers and floaters are encouraged to be courteous and respect each other.