The Imnaha River will open June 15 for hatchery spring Chinook fishing from the mouth upstream 45 miles to Summit Creek Bridge.
Anglers may retain hatchery spring Chinook adults and five adipose fin-clipped jacks per day, with two daily jack limits in possession. Chinook jacks are salmon between 15 and 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. Wild fish must be released immediately and unharmed. A valid Columbia Basin Endorsement is required for this fishery.
“We are expecting a relatively modest return of salmon to the Imnaha River this year, just enough to provide harvest opportunities”, said Jeff Yanke, ODFW district fish biologist in Enterprise. “Depending on how good fishing is, anglers should be prepared for sudden fishery closures”. ODFW will conduct regular fishery monitoring to determine how catch and harvest compares to annual sport fishery quotas.
Much of the area open to fishing is bordered by private lands, and anglers are reminded to obtain permission before entering private land and to pack out any trash. Anglers also are asked to be respectful and provide adequate space for any tribal members they may encounter who are fishing for Chinook using traditional methods.
