The lower Clearwater River from the Cherrylane Bridge upstream to the Orofino Bridge will close to fishing for all Chinook salmon at the end of fishing hours (9 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time) on Friday, May 27. In addition, the North Fork Clearwater River will close to fishing for all Chinook salmon effective the end of fishing hours (9 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time) on Monday, May 30, 2016. Due to this year’s low jack return, a “Jack Only” harvest season will not be provided.
These closures are being implemented because the harvest quota for adult Chinook salmon are anticipated to be met in these river sections by those dates. Harvest quotas in different reaches within the Clearwater drainage were developed using input from the public to help ensure all communities in the watershed have opportunities to harvest salmon.
Chinook salmon seasons will continue on the Clearwater River upstream of the Orofino Bridge, South Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Clearwater, Little Salmon, Lochsa, and Snake rivers. The upper Salmon River and the South Fork Salmon River open June 18th.
Anglers are reminded that changes to seasons or limits may be implemented on short notice. For more on salmon fishing in Idaho, visit Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=140, or call the Salmon Hotline at (855) 287-2702 for updates.