Chinook Fishing to Close on Parts of the Clearwater

As of the end of fishing Thursday, June 11, fishing for Chinook salmon will close on the Clearwater River from the mouth to the Orofino Bridge and on the North Fork Clearwater. In addition, on the Clearwater from the Orofino Bridge to the mouth of the South Fork Clearwater, fishing will be limited to Chinook less than 24 inches in total length, commonly referred to as jacks. Idaho Fish and Game fishery managers will assess the harvest on Monday, June 15 and will announce any additional changes. Fishery managers estimate that by June 11, anglers will have harvested about 94 percent of the state's share of Chinook salmon greater than or equal to 24 inches total length and about 70 percent of the state's share of Chinook salmon less than 24 inches. The closures will help provide continued fishing opportunities in the South Fork Clearwater and Lochsa rivers for anglers in upstream communities, such as Kamiah, Kooskia and Grangeville.