Keep Your Distance When Viewing Spawning Salmon

LEWISTON - - With many tributaries of local rivers alive with spawning chinook salmon, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds wildlife watchers to keep their distance when peering into the secret life of the magnificent sport fish. Some of the yard-long, 15-pound-plus salmon pair up and mate in streams so shallow their backs often protrude above the surface. The crystalline water also makes for excellent viewing of this remarkable ritual from the streambank. However, with the shallow, clear water making salmon vulnerable to disturbance, IDFG offers the following suggestions to recreationists who want to observe salmon spawning activity:

• Observe the fish from a distance, preferably downstream so you can see all the behavioral interactions without disturbing them. Wading is unnecessary and may scare the fish away.
• Polarized sunglasses are a must on sunny days to cut surface glare. The same goes for photographers. A polarized filter can make the difference between a trophy picture and abstract art.
• Salmon nests, called redds, which appear as light-colored patches of gravel on the stream bottom, should be avoided. The layer of gravel over the nest protects the salmon eggs from predatory fish and birds, but not from human traffic.

IDFG reminds anglers that all tributaries to the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater rivers are closed to salmon fishing. It is also unlawful to molest any fish by building obstructions to catch them, shooting with gun or bow, striking with objects or chasing fish in any manner.