Late last July I managed to coax the crew here at Idaho fish 'n' hunt into taking a few days off their always busy schedule to wonder up to the South Fork of the Salmon River. We were most curious to see if we could find some big ole' Chinook streaming by on their way to spawn in Stolle Meadows. What we found was much more than we had ever imagined!
"It's amazing that a fish this size can not only navigate its way up a narrow, shallow expanse of water, but do it with such purpose, and such certainty. There were times when I just watched as one fish after another scurried up the shallow riffles, their backs protruding as they darted from hole to hole, stopping only for a short time before moving on in quest of their destiny. I watched as they reorganized in each hole, seemingly taking a few moments as if to jockey for position, or to re-establish their direction. Then, as suddenly as they had arrived, one fish would take the lead and the rest would quickly follow on to the next pool of discovery. It's hard to imagine that for as many as 8 years ago these fish were swimming in these same pools, their size almost undetectable and their future uncertain.
As an angler one has to feel a certain awe for the tenacity of these fish. Carrying out a centuries old rhythm of dance with the currents, first directing them to the ocean, and then leading them home again. How incredible their story and sad their possible demise as humans struggle to help them master their own fate. I hope that as you embark on your quest to reel in one of these enduring creatures, you will also take time to applaud their effort, admire their courage, and to be inspired to advocate for their survival. Without mankind's intervention, we will be left just to rely on special circumstance or dumb luck to afford us one more glimpse at these awe-inspiring creatures. What a wondrous day it would be if we could see the return of the "King," as indelible to Idaho's landscape as the great mountains that shadow the South Fork of the Salmon River."
Fisheries managers expect this year's run into Idaho to be considerably below last year's record run of hatchery chinook but still high enough to allow seasons much like last year. Anadromous fisheries manager Sharon Kiefer told the Commission this year's lesser run is reflected in lower limits. She noted that she should have more definite run numbers by next week but the sport fishery below Bonneville Dam is currently indicating a strong run of chinook.
Fishing is for hatchery chinook only. Anglers may keep only chinook with a clipped adipose fin (the top fin just in front of the tail). Fish that have adipose fins must be returned to the water immediately. New for this year, there will be an experimental fishery on the lower Snake River. Anglers should consult rules brochures, which will be available from vendors as well as Fish and Game offices. Fishing waters, dates and limits (daily, possession and season) are as follows:
Clearwater River Drainage
Mainstem Clearwater River - Open April 20; Close August 4; Limits 2/6/20.
North Fork Clearwater River - Open April 20; Close August 4; Limits 2/6/20.
Middle Fork Clearwater River - Open April 20; Close August 4; Limits 2/6/20.
South Fork Clearwater River - Open April 20; Close August 4; Limits 2/6/20.
Snake River
Lower Snake River - Open April 25; Close May 19, Thursday through Sunday fishing days; Limits 1/3/20.
Hells Canyon of Snake River - Open April 25; Close August 4; Limits 1/3/20.
Salmon River Drainage
Lower Salmon River - Open April 25, Close June 16; Limits 2/6/20.
Little Salmon River - Open April 25; Close August 4; Limits 2/6/20.
Clearwater Drainage
Lochsa River - Open May 25; Close August 4; Limits 2/6/20
South Fork Salmon Opens June 19
Boundaries
Lower Snake River:
From the Southway Bridge at Lewiston upstream approximately 23 miles to the concrete boat ramp at Heller Bar.
Hells Canyon of Snake River:
From Dug Bar boat ramp (about six miles upstream from Imnaha River) upstream to Hells Canyon Dam.
Mainstem Clearwater River:
From the Railroad Bridge at Lewiston upstream to the confluence of South Fork Clearwater River and Middle Fork Clearwater River (excluding the perimeter of Dworshak National Fish hatchery at Ahsahka).
North Fork Clearwater River:
From its mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam (excluding the perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery at Ahsahka).
Middle Fork Clearwater River:
From the confluence with the South Fork of the Clearwater River upstream to the confluence of the Selway and Lochsa Rivers.
South Fork Clearwater River:
From its mouth upstream to the confluence with American and Red Rivers.
Lochsa River:
From its mouth upstream to the twin bridges immediately upstream of the confluence of Colt Killed and Crooked Fork Creeks, including those sections of Crooked Fork and Colt Killed Creeks downstream of the twin bridges.
Lower Salmon River:
From the Hammer Creek Boat Ramp upstream to a posted line at the mouth of the Little Salmon River.
Little Salmon River:
From the mouth of the Little Salmon River upstream to the U.S. Highway 95 bridge near Smokey Boulder Road.
South Fork of the Salmon
Mainstem of the South Fork of the Salmon River from the mouth of Goat Creek upstream about six miles to a posted boundary about 100 yards downstream from the South Fork Salmon River weir and trap.
Clearwater Special Restrictions
Mainstem and North Fork - Fishing from the shoreline along the perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is prohibited. Fishing from any watercraft or wading is prohibited between a posted line about 150 yards upstream from the mouth of the North Fork Clearwater River to the Ahsahka Highway Bridge.
Special Rules
Only hatchery chinook with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept. All salmon with a non-clipped adipose fin must be immediately released. It is unlawful to fish in any waters while having fish in possession, which violate rules for those waters. It is not legal to have chinook in the field or in transit from which the head or tail has been removed. Fishing is allowed only from one-half hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, local time.
Methods of Take
Chinook may be taken only with barbless hooks. It is unlawful to use any hook larger than 5/8 inch from point to shank. Fishing is prohibited after limits are taken. In the Lochsa River, chinook may only be taken with artificial flies and lures with one barbless hook per fly or lure (no bait).