[ODFW-News] New spring chinook fishery opens on Snake River

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Mary Hoverson (541) 963-2138 ext 34	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (541) 963-6670
	

For Immediate Release	Thursday, April 29, 2004


New Spring Chinook Fishery Opens on Snake River


LA GRANDE - High numbers of spring chinook returning to Hells Canyon
Dam have resulted in new opportunities for anglers on the Snake River. 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Idaho Department
Fish and Game recently opened a season for adipose fin-clipped spring
chinook between the Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to the deadline below
Hells Canyon Dam. The season will remain open through Aug. 5.

Estimated numbers of spring/summer chinook expected to migrate over
Lower Granite Dam this year include 115,729 adipose fin-clipped
(hatchery) adults and 40,973 wild adults. These are surplus to
broodstock needs for both Oregon and Idaho hatchery programs. 

"The best thing to do is to give anglers the opportunity to catch
these magnificent fish," said Brad Smith, a fish biologist for ODFW.

The adopted rules allow a bag limit of two adipose fin-clipped spring
chinook per day using only barbless hooks. Gear restrictions, possession
limits, legal angling times and methods in effect are the same as the
General (Statewide) Regulations outlined in the 2004 Oregon Sport
Fishing Regulations.

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002