F&G to close separate portions of the Upper Salmon River for Chinook fishing

Idaho Fish and Game officials will close Chinook fishing on separate portions of the Upper Salmon River. The Upper Salmon River Chinook fishery — between the East Fork of the Salmon River and the posted boundary below the Sawtooth Hatchery weir — has been open since June 22.

The section upstream from the East Fork Salmon River to Valley Creek will be closed July 20 to help minimize impacts to wild Chinook salmon. The section upstream from Valley Creek to the posted boundary below the Sawtooth Hatchery weir will close four days later on at the end of fishing hours on July 23. 

WHAT’S REDUCED: Fish and Game officials are closing the section between the posted boundary just upstream of the East Fork Salmon River to the posted boundary just upstream of Valley Creek.

Wild Chinook salmon use the Upper Salmon River’s tributaries, such as the Yankee Fork, to spawn. The Yankee Fork of the Salmon River is a crucial “offramp” for spawning salmon, and this closure will help minimize impacts to wild Chinook salmon.

The closure will go into effect at the end of fishing hours on Wednesday, July 19.

WHAT’S CLOSED: The portion of the Upper Salmon from the posted boundary just upstream of Valley Creek to the posted boundary approximately 100 yards below the Sawtooth Hatchery weir. 

Fish and Game officials will close Chinook fishing on this portion of the Upper Salmon River as harvest shares have been reached. The closure will go into effect at the end of fishing hours on Sunday, July 23. 

Check out the Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules page to check the status of all Idaho Chinook salmon fisheries. Seasons can change quickly, so be sure to check the most current reports and restrictions before you head out.