June 14, 2012

Chinook seasons set on South Fork, upper Salmon

By Niels Nokkentved, IDFG

Chinook fishing seasons on the upper Salmon and South Fork Salmon rivers were approved by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission June 11.

The Chinook fishing season opens June 23 and continues until further notice from Fish and Game.

Seasons open June 23

× South Fork Salmon, lower - From the bridge on Forest Service Road (Lick Creek/East Fork South Fork Road) where it crosses the South Fork Salmon River main stem just upstream of the confluence with the East Fork South Fork Salmon River, upstream about 18 river miles to the Blackmare Creek pack bridge, accessible from the trailhead at Poverty Flat campground.

× South Fork Salmon, upper - From Blackmare Creek pack bridge, accessible from the trailhead at Poverty Flat campground, upstream about 17 river miles south to a posted boundary about 100 yards downstream from the Idaho Fish and Game South Fork Salmon River weir and trap.

× Upper Salmon River, Stanley Area - From the State Highway 75 Salmon River bridge about 250 yards upstream of the mouth of the East Fork Salmon River upstream to the posted boundary about 100 yards downstream of the weir and trap at Sawtooth Hatchery south of Stanley.

These waters would remain open until closed by further notice. Fishing hours on the South Fork will be from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on the upper Salmon from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Daily bag limits will be four Chinook, no more than two of which may be adults, and the possession limit will be 12 Chinook, no more than six of which may be adults. Anglers must stop fishing for salmon when daily, possession or season limits of adult salmon are reached, whichever comes first.

The season limit is 20 adult Chinook salmon statewide during 2012 salmon seasons occurring before Sept. 1, 2012.

Adults are Chinook, 24 or more inches long and jacks are less than 24 inches long. Only salmon with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept. All adult Chinook that are caught and kept must be recorded on the angler's salmon permit.

A brochure will be available before the start of the season. For additional information please consult the 2011-2012 Fishing Seasons and Rules brochure, of the Fish and Game website at: http://fish andgame.idaho.gov.