For the first time since 2016, anglers will be able to fish for spring Chinook in the Imnaha and Wallowa Rivers as the 2022 run exceeds expectations.
“All current projections indicate this year’s run will exceed our pre-season forecast and provide an opportunity to harvest spring Chinook locally,” said Kyle Bratcher, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFWA) district fish biologist in Enterprise. “In the past, these have been popular fisheries and we’re glad to see numbers that allow anglers to get out there.”
Adult Chinook passage at Bonneville Dam through June 1 totals 149,031 fish, which is 129 percent of the 10-year (2012-21) average cumulative count and 210 percent of the 5-year (2017-21) average for this date.
The fishing regulations are as follows:
- Open area/season dates:
- Imnaha River: Open June 25 to July 10 from the confluence with the Snake River upstream to the Summit Creek Bridge.
- Wallowa River: Open June 25 to July 24 from the lower fence of Minam State Park upstream to the confluence with the Lostine River.
- Bag limits: Two adult hatchery spring Chinook per day with 5 hatchery jacks. Anglers must cease fishing for salmon for the day when they retain two adult salmon and may not continue to angle for jacks.
- Other regulations: Hook gaps may not exceed 3/4 inch and all other statewide and zone regulations apply.
Anglers should check for regulation updates regularly before going fishing by going online and clicking on Regulations Updates.
“Given the nature of these fisheries and limited harvest allowances, regulations may change weekly, and anglers should be aware of any updates before fishing,” said Bratcher. “Anglers are also welcome to call the Enterprise ODFW office at (541) 426-3279 for details and updates.”
