07-12-2011, 11:10 AM
LA GRANDE, Ore. - After a delay due to high flows at Hells Canyon Dam, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to release approximately 200 spring chinook salmon into the Powder River to create a unique fishing opportunity.
The area between Hughes Lane Bridge near Baker City to the Mason Dam is open to spring chinook fishing until Sept. 1. Access to some sections of the river is through private land and anglers are reminded to ask for permission before entering private lands. The daily bag limit is 2 spring chinook.<br />
The salmon will be released immediately below Mason Dam. The first release is tentatively planned for July 7 with one additional release on July 14. Actual release dates will depend on fish availability and trapping conditions at Hells Canyon Dam. Interested anglers should contact the ODFW Northeast Region Office at (541) 963-2138 to confirm fish release dates.<br />
According to Tim Bailey, ODFW fish biologist, salmon smolts are released at Hells Canyon Dam for the express purpose of providing fisheries in the Snake River. When the number of returning adult salmon are determined by the fishery co-managers to be sufficient, some salmon are trapped at Hells Canyon Dam and released in tributaries such as the Powder River to provide additional fishing opportunities.
The area between Hughes Lane Bridge near Baker City to the Mason Dam is open to spring chinook fishing until Sept. 1. Access to some sections of the river is through private land and anglers are reminded to ask for permission before entering private lands. The daily bag limit is 2 spring chinook.<br />
The salmon will be released immediately below Mason Dam. The first release is tentatively planned for July 7 with one additional release on July 14. Actual release dates will depend on fish availability and trapping conditions at Hells Canyon Dam. Interested anglers should contact the ODFW Northeast Region Office at (541) 963-2138 to confirm fish release dates.<br />
According to Tim Bailey, ODFW fish biologist, salmon smolts are released at Hells Canyon Dam for the express purpose of providing fisheries in the Snake River. When the number of returning adult salmon are determined by the fishery co-managers to be sufficient, some salmon are trapped at Hells Canyon Dam and released in tributaries such as the Powder River to provide additional fishing opportunities.