06-01-2011, 11:10 AM
ENTERPRISE, Ore. - The Imnaha and Wallowa rivers in Northeast Oregon will open to hatchery spring chinook fishing Saturday, May 28.
The Imnaha River will be open from the mouth upstream 45 miles to Summit Creek Bridge. The Wallowa River will be open from the deadline at the lower end of Minam State Park upstream to the mouth of the Lostine River. Both fisheries will be open until further notice.<br />
Anglers may retain two adipose fin-clipped spring chinook adults and five adipose fin-clipped jacks per day, with two daily limits in possession. Jacks are salmon 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.<br />
Private lands border much of the area open to sport fishing, and anglers are reminded to ask permission before entering private property, and to pick up trash when leaving. In addition, anglers are asked to respect tribal members that may also be fishing for spring chinook using traditional methods.<br />
"High river flows during the next few weeks will limit fishing opportunity", said Jeff Yanke, ODFW district fish biologist in Enterprise. "However, we're expecting a strong upriver run and another great salmon season in northeast Oregon".
The Imnaha River will be open from the mouth upstream 45 miles to Summit Creek Bridge. The Wallowa River will be open from the deadline at the lower end of Minam State Park upstream to the mouth of the Lostine River. Both fisheries will be open until further notice.<br />
Anglers may retain two adipose fin-clipped spring chinook adults and five adipose fin-clipped jacks per day, with two daily limits in possession. Jacks are salmon 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.<br />
Private lands border much of the area open to sport fishing, and anglers are reminded to ask permission before entering private property, and to pick up trash when leaving. In addition, anglers are asked to respect tribal members that may also be fishing for spring chinook using traditional methods.<br />
"High river flows during the next few weeks will limit fishing opportunity", said Jeff Yanke, ODFW district fish biologist in Enterprise. "However, we're expecting a strong upriver run and another great salmon season in northeast Oregon".