Salmon Anglers Reminded to Read Regulations

As salmon fishing fever hits the Clearwater Region, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game encourages anglers to read the 2006 fishing regulations before casting a line. "A few salmon anglers are getting caught up in the excitement, and they're simply not reading the regulations," said Larry Barrett, senior fisheries technician at Fish and Game. "To stay out of trouble, always know before you go." The 2006 Spring Chinook Salmon Season and Rules pamphlet is available at all license vendors and Fish and Game offices. The main stem Clearwater, the North Fork Clearwater, the South Fork Clearwater, and the Little Salmon rivers are open only from Friday through Monday each week until further notice or until July 31, whichever comes first. The upper Snake River in Hells Canyon and the Lower Salmon also are open Friday through Monday but the Snake closes June 19 and the Lower Salmon closes June 26. These seasons may also be closed early if conditions warrant. Fishing hours are a half hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset local time. Anglers are allowed to take one fish per day, have three in possession, and take a total of 10 for the entire season. Only hatchery fish with a clipped adipose fin may be kept. Anglers are also required to use barbless hooks, or to bend the barb down to the shank on a single, double or treble hook. You must also have a salmon permit, available at vendors statewide.