Lookingglass Creek, a tributary of the Grande Ronde River at Palmer Junction, will open to fishing for hatchery spring Chinook salmon Saturday, May 28 through Tuesday May 31. The open area is from the Moses Creek Lane Bridge (County Road 42) upstream to the confluence of Jarboe Creek.
“A relatively small run is predicted for Lookingglass Creek in comparison to recent years,” said Tim Bailey, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife district fish biologist in La Grande. “This year’s run is expected to be around 500 adult Chinook, the majority being hatchery fish. Even though the season is short, we want to provide an opportunity to fish for the prized spring Chinook whenever we can.”
Anglers may retain two adipose fin-clipped Chinook adults and five adipose fin-clipped jacks per day, with two daily limits in possession. Jack salmon are less than 24 inches in length. Anglers do not need to record jack catch on their combined angling tags but it is illegal to continue fishing for jack chinook once the adult bag limit is met. Unmarked (wild) fish must be released carefully and unharmed.
As with the trout fishery that opens on Lookingglass Creek on May 22, anglers are restricted to artificial flies and lures while fishing for salmon – no bait.
“There are bull trout in Lookingglass Creek, and bait fishing could pose a threat to them,” Bailey explained, which is why all angling in the creek is restricted to artificial flies and lures.
Private timberlands owned by Hancock Forest and open to public access border the area open to sport fishing. Anglers are reminded to respect private property by picking up trash when leaving.
A Columbia Basin Endorsement is required for anglers who want to participate in this fishery.
For more information, contact the ODFW Northeast Region Office in La Grande at 541-963-2138.
