Chinook Salmon Fishing

In Idaho, anglers eagerly wait and plan their vacations around the Chinook salmon’s annual return.

Chinook Salmon are one of the more popular sport fish across the western states due to their large size, hard fighting ability, and excellent table fare.

Chinook returning to Idaho are classified into three groups or “runs” – spring, summer and fall Chinook – based on when they begin their migration upstream to spawn. Most fish range from 12 to 20 pounds, but fish over 30 pounds are caught each year. Due to the different times Chinook salmon enter Idaho, fishing opportunities can often be found from May through October.

Seasons and rules are set annually because the number of Chinook returning to Idaho can vary greatly from year to year. Many factors influence seasons, such as collecting enough fish for spawning and providing different communities with the opportunity to harvest fish. Use the Seasons and Rules page to find maps of each fishing zone.

News

Upper Salmon River Chinook Update (7/24/17)

Monday, July 24, 2017 - 3:06 PM MDT

Chinook anglers had another successful week on the upper Salmon River. Angler effort was almost twice as high as the previous week, and the majority of anglers were observed near the Buckhorn Bridge area. Catch rates were the best of the season to this point, with Chinook anglers averaging 6 hours per Chinook salmon caught, and 9 hours per Chinook salmon harvested.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Clearwater Chinook Update (7/18/17)

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - 5:12 PM MDT

I wanted to get a final fishery update out today, even though the Clearwater Region’s spring/summer Chinook fisheries are still winding down for the year. I have included the most recent fishery information from the Little Salmon River and Hell’s Canyon as well as a look toward next year based upon the jack returns we have seen in 2017.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Upper Salmon River Chinook Fishery Update (7/17/17)

Monday, July 17, 2017 - 2:43 PM MDT

Chinook angler effort and success increased this past week on the upper Salmon River. Angler effort was highest over the weekend, and the majority of anglers were observed fishing near the Buckhorn Bridge area.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Chinook fishing update: Lochsa River to close July 13

Monday, July 10, 2017 - 2:31 PM MDT

Fisheries managers have concluded that by the end of fishing hours on Thursday, July 13 the sport-harvest share will be caught so Chinook fishing on the Lochsa River will end at that time. Chinook fishing remains open until further notice on Little Salmon River, Upper Salmon River and Hells Canyon. Fish and Game tries to give 48 hours notice before closing the season.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Clearwater Region Chinook Update (6/30/17)

Friday, June 30, 2017 - 6:00 PM MDT

Good Morning Everyone:

Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Clearwater Region Chinook Update (6/27/17)

Wednesday, June 28, 2017 - 5:51 PM MDT

Here's the latest update on last week’s Chinook fisheries on the Salmon River around Riggins, Hell’s Canyon and the Lochsa River. I’ve included some more detailed information on the status of each of the fisheries below; but, bottom-line, all three fisheries are staying open this coming week.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Clearwater Region Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Chinook seasons to close on Lower Salmon and section of Upper Salmon

Wednesday, June 28, 2017 - 5:08 PM MDT

To minimize fishery impacts on the hatchery and natural origin fish destined to spawning areas and hatchery facilities in the Salmon River Basis upstream of the Little Salmon River, Idaho Fish and Game will close fishing for Chinook salmon in two river sections of the Salmon River effective the end of fishing hours July 2, 2017. River sections to close are:

Chinook Salmon Fishing Clearwater Region Southwest Region Salmon Region Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)