Anglers invited to help shape Idaho's salmon rules

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game would like to encourage anglers to attend one of three public meetings to help develop the spring Chinook salmon rules for the Clearwater Region.

At these meetings, biologists will discuss what was learned from last year’s season, what this year’s return is projected to look like, and different strategies Fish and Game can use to manage this year’s run.

“Input from anglers is important to help ensure the Chinook salmon run is managed in a manner that is most satisfying to all who participate in this amazing fishery,” said Joe DuPont, Clearwater region fisheries manager.

The meeting locations and dates are as follows:

Riggins - February 13 (5:30 p.m. Mountain Time), Salmon Rapids Lodge, 1010 S. Main Street.

Orofino - February 15, IDFG Clearwater Hatchery, 118 Hatchery Roe Drive, located west of Ahsahka Bridge.

Lewiston - February 16, Idaho Fish and Game Office, 3316 16th Street.

The South Fork Salmon River summer Chinook salmon fishery will be discussed at the meeting held at Riggins. All meetings will cover salmon seasons in the Clearwater, Snake, lower Salmon, and Little Salmon rivers.

Free pizza and refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m., and presentations will begin shortly after. The meeting will continue until all angler comments are collected and/or addressed. In the past, these meetings have lasted about two hours.

In addition to Chinook salmon, biologists will also give short presentations on other interesting topics such as the diversity of Idaho’s steelhead, how many wild steelhead are returning to Idaho and where are they going.