Chinook Salmon Season To End in Sections of Lower Salmon River

Sections of the Lower Salmon River from the Rice Creek Bridge upstream to a posted boundary about 100 yards downstream of the Hammer Creek boat ramp and from the Lake Creek Bridge (first bridge across the main Salmon River upstream of Riggins) upstream to the uppermost boat ramp at Vinegar Creek will close to all Chinook salmon fishing at the end of fishing hours Sunday, June 7. Fishing for Jacks will not be allowed in these sections due to the low return of these fish. This closure is being implemented because by the close of fishing on June 7, fisheries managers estimate that anglers will have harvested more than 80 percent of the sport fishery share destined for the Rapid River Hatchery. The fraction of Rapid River Hatchery returns in the harvest from the Lower Salmon River is highest from Hammer Creek upstream to Lake Creek. Estimates of hatchery returns to the South Fork Salmon River and the Upper Salmon River are lower than forecasted preseason and the hatchery and natural returns from the South Fork Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, and Upper Salmon rivers are beginning to enter the Lower Salmon River. Chinook salmon seasons continue on the Clearwater River upstream from the Orofino Bridge and the North Fork Clearwater; as well as the South Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Clearwater, Lower Salmon from the Hammer Creek boat ramp to the Lake Creek Bridge, Little Salmon, Lochsa, and Snake rivers. For more information on salmon seasons and fishing rules in Idaho, visit the Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=140.