SALEM, Ore — Due to relatively strong returns of spring chinook in the Snake River, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the opening of a spring chinook fishery below Hells Canyon Dam from May 30 until a closure is announced.

This section of the river will be open to sport fishing seven days a week from Dug Bar Boat Ramp to the deadline below Hells Canyon Dam. The daily bag limit will be two adult adipose fin-clipped spring chinook per day. Two fin-clipped jack chinook may be retained in addition to the adult bag limit.  Anglers must stop fishing when the adult bag limit is retained.

Managers predict that the number of returning hatchery fish will be more than needed for broodstock purposes, and over a thousand hatchery fish are expected to return to the base of Hells Canyon and be available for sport harvest

Fishing must be with barbless hooks for consistency with Idaho regulations. Otherwise, general statewide angling regulations regarding gear restrictions, legal angling times and fishing methods apply.

The decision to open the chinook fishery to sport fishing was made by ODFW and Idaho Fish and Game, who co-manage the sport fisheries on the Snake River.

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. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.