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With a run size that seems to be coming in at less than 50 percent of the preseason forecast, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is closing the lower Snake River salmon season. The closed stretch of the Snake runs from the Southway Bridge upstream to the Heller Bar concrete boat ramp. The closure is effective at the end of Chinook fishing hours on May 4.
Although biologists are still trying to nail down this season's run size, it is apparent that the preseason forecast expectations will not be met in the Columbia and Snake rivers.
"With the run size lagging considerably behind preseason expectation, we have concerns about the multiple stocks that could be intercepted in this fishery, which will be returning at a considerably lower run size than anticipated," said Sharon Kiefer, Anadromous Fishery Manager.
To minimize the impact recreational fishing might have on naturally produced salmon, Fish and Game will focus on tributary fisheries which target hatchery stocks. Seasons will remain open on the Snake River upstream from Dug Bar, the Clearwater drainage, the lower Salmon River and the Little Salmon River. The department will continue to monitor fish counts to determine whether further adjustments should be made to those seasons.
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