Chinook salmon fishing has closed on the South Fork Salmon River, but seasons remain open on the upper Salmon River, upstream of the city of Salmon, and on the Boise River.
From Salmon upstream to the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River on the upper Salmon River, the daily bag limit is six fish, no more than two of which may be 24 or more inches in total length. The possession limit is 18 fish, with no more than six, 24 or more inches long.
But keeping jacks, or having jacks in possession while fishing in the Salmon River upstream of the Pahsimeroi River continues to be prohibited.
Upstream of the Pahsimeroi, the daily limit is two and the possession limit is six Chinook, 24 or more inches long.
No Chinook less than 24 inches in total length may be kept.
Anglers are reminded that they may not harvest sockeye salmon. Most sockeye salmon, like the Chinook jacks, are less than 24 inches long. Unlike Chinook, sockeye typically lack distinct black spots on the back and tail and also lack a black gum line.
Any sockeye caught must be released unharmed. Anglers who are unsure of their ability to distinguish a Chinook less than 24 inches from a sockeye, are encouraged to release any salmon they catch that's less than 24 inches.
In addition, a Chinook salmon fishing season is open on the Boise River downstream of Barber Dam to run 24 hours a day from July 2 until September 6 or further notice. The daily limit is two salmon - regardless of size - and the possession limit is six salmon.
In the Boise River, adult and jack Chinook must be recorded on the angler's permit. Chinook are present in the Boise River only when stocked by Idaho Fish and Game. The large return of Chinook jacks to some of Idaho's hatcheries this year allows Fish and Game to move some of those fish to the Boise River.
Steelhead and Chinook salmon historically migrated up the Boise River to spawn.
Here's a summary of salmon seasons that are open:
Upper Salmon River: Open until further notice. Fishing hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
- City of Salmon to Pahsimeroi River: from the cable car crossing at the USGS flow gauging station, about 150 yards downstream of Island Park in Salmon, upstream to the posted boundary at the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River. The daily limit is six salmon, but no more than two may be 24 inches or more in total length.
- Pahsimeroi River to East Fork Salmon River: from a posted boundary at the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River, upstream to a posted boundary at the mouth of the East Fork Salmon River. Only two Chinook, 24 or more inches in total length, may be kept. No fish under 24 inches may be kept.
- East Fork Salmon River to Sawtooth Hatchery: from a posted boundary at the mouth of the East Fork Salmon River, upstream to a posted boundary, about 100 yards downstream of the weir at Sawtooth Hatchery south of Stanley. Only two adult Chinook, 24 or more inches in total length, may be kept. No fish under 24 inches may be kept.
Boise River: Open 24 hours a day, through September 6 or until further notice, from its mouth to Barber Dam. The daily limit is two Chinook, adult or jack, and the possession limit is six fish.
In all these waters, Chinook salmon anglers may use only barbless hooks, except in the Boise River, no larger than five-eight inch. Snagging or attempting to snag salmon is unlawful.
- Only Chinook salmon greater than or equal to 24 inches total length need to be carded, except in the Boise River where both adults and jacks must be carded.
- Only Chinook salmon with a clipped adipose fin (as evidence by a healed scar) may be kept.
- Anglers must cease fishing for Chinook salmon - including catch and release - when they retain the daily, possession or season limits for the water in which they are fishing.
- Anglers may not harvest more than 40 Chinook salmon, as recorded on their permits, during the season.
Anglers must have in their possession a valid 2009 Idaho fishing license and salmon permit to fish for Chinook. They should consult 2009 Chinook salmon rules, which are 1 in season brochures and on the Fish and Game Web site at:
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish/salmon/.
