The upper Salmon River Chinook fishery will close at the end of fishing hours on July 15th due to anglers exceeding the harvest limit, with 191 adult Chinook caught this season. Idaho Fish and Game celebrates a successful season but urges anglers to act quickly for one last chance before the closure.

Fishing conditions on the Upper Salmon River have improved, with anglers averaging 22 hours per fish caught. As of July 5, 2026, 103 hatchery adult Chinook salmon have been harvested, representing about 50% of the sport fishery harvest share. River conditions are favorable for the upcoming weekend, with clear visibility expected.

The upper Salmon River Chinook fishery is seeing a significant increase in salmon catch rates, with about 67% of the harvest share available. As of June 28, anglers have harvested 68 hatchery adult salmon, and river conditions are favorable for fishing this upcoming weekend. Ongoing updates on trapping numbers will ensure anglers stay informed.

The Upper Salmon River Chinook fishery has opened, with anglers contributing 1,343 hours of effort in the first four days, harvesting 15 hatchery adults. Survival rates between dams have improved, with 1,342 fish past Lower Granite Dam. A fresh wave of fish is moving upstream, indicating optimal fishing conditions ahead.

The Chinook salmon run on the upper Salmon River is disappointing this year, with expected harvest shares dropping from 300-500 to 200-300 fish due to sluggish survival rates. Although the overall run numbers are low, there are reports of some fish making progress upstream, providing hope for the June 18th opener.

Recent data indicates improved prospects for the summer Salmon season, particularly for Sawtooth Chinook stocks, prompting Idaho officials to assess potential fisheries and harvest shares in the coming days.

Chinook returns are trickling in below forecast, and with the next two weeks critical, it’s still too early to say whether they’ll see a summer fishery on the upper Salmon.

Kathy Goodman and her husband, Jody, from Great Falls caught a 25-pound salmon on Fort Peck Tuesday.   Here are the […]

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