Salmon Season Closed on Clearwater, Lochsa

The spring Chinook salmon season is closed on the upper mainstem Clearwater River, the South Fork Clearwater River, and the Lochsa River effective Wednesday, June 13. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has been informed that the harvestable target of hatchery fish passing through the upper mainstem Clearwater River, the South Fork Clearwater River and the Lochsa River have been reached. Earlier this month, fishing closed on the lower mainstem Clearwater River, on the North Fork, and on the Little Salmon River. The only spring Chinook fishery that remains open is on the Upper Snake River from the Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to Hells Canyon Dam. Fishing remains open Friday through Monday only until further notice. Fish managers will continue weekly assessments and updates. They also are working on a proposal for a summer Chinook fishery on the South Fork of the Salmon River that will be presented to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in the coming week. Fishing hours are from a half hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, local time. Chinook anglers will be allowed to keep one fish daily, have three in their possession and keep 10 for the season. Anglers must stop fishing when they have reached daily, possession or season limits. It is unlawful to take or attempt to take salmon by snagging. They may use only barbless hooks no larger than five-eights of an inch from point to shank. Only Chinook marked with a scar from a clipped adipose fin may be kept. All anglers, except residents younger than 14, must have a valid 2007 Idaho fishing license and salmon permit.