Spring Chinook Seasons Open Soon

Meeting by conference call April 13, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to open seasons for spring chinook salmon April 24 on the Mainstem and North, South and Middle forks of the Clearwater River, the Lower Salmon River and Little Salmon River, the Upper Snake River and Lower Snake River. The Lochsa River is set to open May 29. The Upper Snake River, in this reference, is the Hells Canyon stretch that borders Oregon; and the Lower Snake River is the Lewiston stretch that borders Washington. In these areas, seasons have been coordinated with the bordering states. Limits will be two per day and six in possession in the Snake and Clearwater river drainages; three daily and nine in possession for the Lower Salmon and Little Salmon river seasons. The statewide season limit is 20. Only hatchery chinook salmon, as evidenced by a clipped adipose fin, may be harvested. Although seasons could close earlier for biological reasons, the closing date for the Lower Snake River is May 31, the Lower Salmon River is June 20, and the others on August 1. Fishing hours will be from one-half hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, local time. Rule brochures which fully cover the seasons and rules will be available soon in fishing areas and on the Fish and Game website.