Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules

Idaho Fish and Game has closed the Chinook salmon fishing season on the Lower Salmon River effective June 17, and the Little Salmon River effective at the end of fishing hours on June 20. Fish and Game previously closed the Chinook salmon fishing season on the section of the Lower Salmon River from Rice Creek Bridge upstream to the Hammer Creek boat ramp on June 10.

Hi everybody, it is time for my weekly spring Chinook Salmon update (6/17/2020).

Idaho Fish and Game Commission met via conference call and approved a Chinook fishing season to start June 26 on about 38 miles of river starting near Clayton and going upstream to near the Stanley Fish Hatchery. About 300-350 adult Chinook are expected to be available for harvest. 

Idaho Fish and Game has closed the Chinook salmon fishing season on the Lower Salmon River from Rice Creek Bridge upstream to the Hammer Creek boat ramp effective June 10.

Idaho Fish and Game has closed Chinook fishing in the Clearwater River system, and will end fishing on portions of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River on May 17. Fishing days per week will also be reduced after May 17 on sections of Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers that remain open.  

Idaho’s spring Chinook salmon fishing season opens April 25, but early indications show the fish appear to be social distancing on their own. As of April 19, only six fish had crossed Lower Granite Dam, which is about 25 miles downstream of Lewiston, and the last dam the fish cross before reaching Idaho. 

The Fish and Game Commission recently approved spring Chinook fishing on the Clearwater, Snake, Salmon and Little Salmon rivers to start April 25 and run until closed by the Fish and Game director. Full rules will soon be available on Fish and Game’s website. Printed rules will be available prior to the season opener.