June 30, 2026 South Fork Salmon River Chinook Update

Fishery Update

The second fishing interval on the South Fork Salmon River was a cold, wet one, and the weather definitely affected angler turnout. We observed just over half the fishing effort compared to the opening four-day interval.

For those willing to brave the rain and chilly temperatures, however, there was some decent fishing to be had.

Catch rates improved from the previous interval, and we estimate anglers harvested 101 adipose-clipped adults over the second four-day fishing interval.

That brings the season total to 181 harvested adults, leaving plenty of harvest share still available. The South Fork Salmon River will remain open for a third four-day interval (Thursday through Sunday, July 2–5) over the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Run Progression

One of the most encouraging developments this week is that South Fork fish are still crossing Bonneville Dam.

In fact, we estimate 180 adipose-clipped adults crossed Bonneville in just the last four days, which continues to increase our expected run size—and ultimately our harvest share.

As of today:

• 2,748 adipose-clipped South Fork adults have crossed Bonneville Dam.
• 1,661 have already crossed Lower Granite Dam.
• The current Bonneville-to-Lower Granite conversion rate is 73%, almost exactly in line with recent years. 

If that conversion rate continues, we expect another approximately 345 fish to cross Lower Granite, bringing the projected return into Idaho to just over 2,000 adipose-clipped adults.

Where Are the Fish?

One of the questions I hear most often is, "Have the fish made it into the South Fork yet?"

The answer is yes—but there are still plenty on the way.

Approximately 1,331 adipose-clipped adults have already passed the PIT tag antenna at the South Fork Guard Station, meaning roughly 330 additional adults are still making their way up the main Salmon River and should begin arriving in the fishery soon.

Farther upstream, approximately 1,073 adults have already passed the Krassel antenna and entered the primary fishing area.

After accounting for fish harvested in both tribal and non-tribal fisheries, along with broodstock collected at the weir, we estimate that around 600 adipose-clipped adults are currently swimming within the fishery boundaries.

In addition, roughly 600 unclipped (adipose-intact) adults have also entered the fishery.

There are a growing number of fish in the river every day. 

Harvest Share Update

Based on the latest run projection, our estimated harvest share has increased again and now stands at 537 adipose-clipped adults.

With only 181 adults harvested so far, approximately 340 adults remain available in the harvest share.

Looking Ahead

Everything is lining up for what could be an outstanding third fishing interval.

The weather forecast has completely turned around, with sunshine and warmer temperatures expected throughout the Independence Day weekend. The recent rain also gave the river a much-needed boost in flow, and additional fish continue arriving every day.

Taken together, I think conditions are setting up for some of the best fishing we've seen so far this season.

McCall Hatchery staff also plan to recycle 20–25 jack Chinook into the fishery on Thursday, providing anglers with even more opportunity.

If you've been waiting for the right weekend to fish the South Fork, this may be it.

I'll be back next Tuesday with another update, including the latest harvest numbers, an updated harvest share estimate, and whether the fishery will remain open for a fourth interval.