Idaho Fish and Game officials have issued an update on the state’s fall Chinook salmon season, noting that lower-than-expected wild fish returns may prompt regulation changes later this month.
Adult wild fall Chinook returns are measured by the number of fish passing over Lower Granite Dam. A sliding scale developed with NOAA Fisheries sets harvest limits based on run size: if more than 5,040 adult wild fish return, sport fisheries may harvest over 10% of the run; if fewer return, harvest is capped at 6%.
Current projections suggest fewer than 5,040 wild fish will make the return, which could force a closure on harvesting unclipped (adipose fin) adults while maintaining opportunities for anglers targeting hatchery fish.
The department anticipates any closure could occur in September and will provide two to three days’ notice. Popular fishing areas include the Snake and Clearwater river confluence, though anglers are reminded to carefully follow Idaho and Washington regulations when fishing boundary waters.