In March, Idaho Fish and Game projected the number of Chinook salmon would be well below normal in Idaho’s rivers this spring. Last week, the agency determined the returns of fish making their way from the ocean would be even lower than those predictions.
The harvest share of salmon for Idaho anglers on the Clearwater River was supposed to be around 1,000. Now it’s looking like nine fewer fish than hatcheries would need to produce a new generation. For that reason, Idaho Fish and Game officers landed on closing spring Chinook salmon fishing on the Clearwater and its tributaries.
There will also be changes to spring fishing on the Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers, and closures on some stretches, due low returns. But Idaho Fish and Game said those closures also have to do with protecting small cities like Riggins from the spread of COVID-19 that could come with a rush of visiting anglers.
Find reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen
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