Lower Snake Chinook Season Extended

Meeting by telephone conference May 20, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission has extended chinook fishing in the new Lower Snake River fishery. The original season for that fishery from Lewiston to Heller Bar on the Snake closed May 19. Fisheries managers proposed the extension because there has been almost no adverse effect on wild fish and no biological reason to halt fishing now. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) approved Idaho's request for the extension just before the Commission meeting May 20. The Commission approved extending the season until June 2, though NMFS approval covers only May 23 through Memorial Day weekend, May 27. If NMFS does not approve the second extension, which would carry the season through June 2, the Fish and Game director will end fishing in this fishery.