ENTERPRISE - The Upper Snake River will open to spring Chinook angling between Dug Bar and Hells Canyon Dam May 11-June 18, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. The open area is the Snake River from Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to the deadline below Hells Canyon Dam. The area will be open to angling Friday through Monday each week during those dates. For the fourth consecutive year fishery co-managers, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Idaho Fish and Game, have been able to approve opening this fishery as a result of surplus spring Chinook returning to the base of Hells Canyon Dam.
Fishery managers are predicting 25,400 adipose-clipped adult spring/summer Chinook and 13,100 wild adult spring/summer Chinook will migrate over Lower Granite Dam in 2007. Preliminary projections for this year suggest 383 unlisted, adipose-clipped, hatchery-origin adults will return to the trapping facilities at the base of Hells Canyon Dam.
“Half of the 383 returning fish have been identified as surplus to Oregon and Idaho hatchery program needs,” said Scott Patterson, ODFW’s Northeast Region Hatchery Coordinator. “We’re hopeful that opening this fishery provides anglers the experience of landing one of these magnificent fish.”
The daily bag limit for this fishery is one adipose fin-clipped spring chinook per day. Only barbless hooks may be used. All anglers are reminded to consult the 2007 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for additional gear restrictions, legal angling times and other applicable sport fishing regulations.
The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state.
For more information, visit "http://www.dfw.state.or.us/education/hunter/index.asp
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