Salmon Fishing Waters Still Open

Though salmon fishing is closed on the Clearwater River, anglers can still go for hatchery chinook on three Idaho rivers. Lower Salmon River: The season has been extended on the Lower Salmon River through June 22. That season was extended because high runoff made fishing virtually impossible for about two week during the originally scheduled season. Little Salmon River: The season runs through August 3 on the Little Salmon River. The season on the Little Salmon is not likely to be closed early because fishing there has no potential impact on salmon listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. South Fork of the Salmon River: The South Fork of the Salmon River opens for chinook fishing on June 18 and runs through August 3. The season is likely to be closed before August 3 because the allowable take of listed salmon is usually reached prior to the end of the set season. The season limit for hatchery chinook was lifted earlier this spring from 10 to 20 fish per angler. Larger than expected numbers of chinook were responsible for the higher limit. If enough chinook reach hatcheries to fill requirements for spawning, it is possible some seasons could be reopened. Only hatchery chinook may be kept. All wild fish must be returned to the water unharmed. A salmon tag in addition to a fishing license is required. Fishing rules brochures are available at all license vendors, Fish and Game offices and on the Internet at http://www.state.id.us/fishgame.