Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon update for the Clearwater River, lower Salmon River, and Little Salmon River fisheries (5/14/19)

Hi Everybody.  It is time for the weekly spring Chinook Salmon update for the fisheries in the Clearwater River Basin and in the lower Salmon and Little Salmon rivers (Rapid River Run) (5/14/19). 

For those who like to fish on the Clearwater River run please read on for an explanation on why we will be suspending the season.

Run Update

Chinook salmon fishing in the Clearwater River basin is closed until further evaluation

Chinook salmon fishing in the Clearwater River basin will remain closed May 18-19 due to lower than expected returns of adult Chinook, which includes the following rivers: Clearwater River, North Fork Clearwater River, Middle Fork Clearwater River, and South Fork Clearwater River. If more fish return, the fishing season may reopen later in May. 

Currently, the number of fish returning to Rapid River Hatchery is projected to be high enough for the fisheries to remain open in the lower Salmon River and Little Salmon River.

Chinook Salmon Update for the Clearwater River, lower Salmon River and Little Salmon River fisheries (5/8/19)

Hi Everybody.  It is time for the weekly spring Chinook Salmon update for the fisheries in the Clearwater River Basin and in the lower Salmon and Little Salmon rivers (Rapid River Run) (5/8/19).

Run Update

Weekly update for the Clearwater and Rapid River run spring Chinook Salmon fisheries (5/1/19)

Hi Everybody.  As promised, I am starting my weekly updates for the spring Chinook Salmon fisheries that are occurring in the Clearwater River basin and in the lower Salmon and Little Salmon rivers (5/1/19).

Idaho's Chinook Salmon - Going Home [video]

Three years after stocking, Chinook in Spirit Lake are ready to be reeled in

Chinook fishing season remains open on Lower Salmon and Little Salmon rivers

Anglers should refer to the 2019 spring Chinook salmon seasons and rules brochure for other rules and special restrictions, which is available online and in paper form at Fish and Game regional offices. 

Fisheries managers are forecasting a run of about 32,000 spring Chinook through Lower Granite Dam, which is about 25 miles downstream from Lewiston and the last of the eight dams that returning salmon cross on their way back to Idaho.

Anglers are reminded to provide input on upcoming Chinook salmon fishing seasons at open houses

Come enjoy pizza with Idaho Fish and Game staff (Feb 11-13, 2019) and give us your thoughts and ideas on how best to manage Chinook salmon fisheries.

Lower Granite Dam Fisheries Research

Lower Granite Dam Fisheries Research

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

By Dalton D. Lebeda, IDFG/PSMFC Senior Fisheries Technician

Chinook salmon season near Ellis ends August 12

Idaho Fish and Game recently announced that the Chinook salmon season on the upper Salmon River near Ellis will close at the end of fishing hours on Sunday, August 12.

The river section of the upper Salmon River to close to salmon fishing is from the posted boundary at the Colston Corner Boat Ramp approximately 6.5 miles downstream of Ellis to a posted boundary approximately 50 yards upstream of the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River.