ENTERPRISE, OR – The upper Snake River will open to fall Chinook fishing on Monday, Sept. 1, according to Oregon fishery managers.
The river will be open from the Oregon –Washington border to the deadline below Hells Canyon Dam and will remain open until Oct. 31, or until a closure is announced.
The daily bag limit will be six adipose fin-clipped Chinook salmon. Anglers can also keep an unlimited number of fin-clipped jack Chinook. Chinook jacks are salmon between 15 and 24-inches long.
ODFW fish biologist Jeff Yanke says that after decades of low numbers, fall Chinook returns to the Snake River have rebounded in recent years to the point that fishing can now be allowed- for the fifth year in a row.
Fishery managers expect a run of 53,500 adult fall Chinook salmon to return to the Snake River this year.
“The reputation of this fishery is starting to grow, and each year more and more Oregon anglers are participating,” Yanke said. “We’re hoping that the huge return this year, combined with liberal bag limits, will encourage even more anglers to add Snake River Chinook to their fall fishing destinations.”
Only barbless hooks may be used on this stretch of the Snake River. Anglers should consult the 2014 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations (pdf) for other rules that may apply.
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
