More Access for Anglers on the Little Salmon River in 2015

One of Idaho's most popular Chinook salmon fisheries is about to get bigger. In cooperation with the Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Fish and Game will be opening access to some quality water for steelhead and Chinook salmon on the Little Salmon River near Riggins. Every year, just as spring is turning to summer, the banks along the Little Salmon turn from virtually deserted, to a bit overpopulated, as anglers congregate in pursuit of Chinook salmon returning to Rapid River. The short stretch of river between the mouth of Rapid River and the confluence with the main Salmon River offers prime water for salmon anglers, but limited access typically creates crowding around the most fishable water. Much of the property along the Little Salmon is privately owned, and until now, a stretch that is productive for salmon and steelhead has been inaccessible to the public. Through a cooperative effort with the Idaho Fish &Wildlife Foundation, Fish and Game has purchased 5.2 acres on the highway side along the Little Salmon. The property is just downstream of the bridge commonly known as "the swinging bridge". Fish and Game workers are busy developing a parking area and paths that will allow new public access to this part of the river. The development will provide anglers the opportunity to fish this stretch of river, and will also alleviate some of the difficulties they have when trying to find a place to park. The owner of property upstream of the newly acquired parcel has also agreed to continue to allow access on the highway side. "This new access will be great for anglers during salmon and steelhead seasons as well as year round," said Anadromous Fishery Manager Pete Hassemer. "We are grateful to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation and private property owners for working with Fish and Game to make that access possible." Anglers should be aware of special restrictions in place for the use of this property, and Fish and Game will post signs that clearly identify the new access, along with the conditions of use. Access information will also be available online in time for the spring Chinook salmon season. Preseason reports suggest this year's return of Chinook salmon to Idaho rivers will be similar to last year's return. Managers predict approximately 43,000 hatchery-reared spring and summer Chinook will pass Lower Granite Dam on their way to Idaho. That would allow Idaho anglers the opportunity to harvest more than 12,000 Chinook from the Salmon, Clearwater and Snake River drainages during the spring and summer seasons.