Chinook Fishing Closed on Parts of the Clearwater

The Clearwater River from the mouth to the Orofino Bridge and the North Fork Clearwater are closed to fishing for Chinook salmon. In addition, on the Clearwater from the Orofino Bridge upstream to the mouth of the South Fork Clearwater, fishing is limited to Chinook less than 24 inches in total length, commonly referred to as jacks. As of the end of fishing Wednesday, June 17, this section of the Clearwater River also will close to all fishing for Chinook salmon. 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 had 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.