Hells Canyon salmon anglers restricted to one wild chinook per day

For the second consecutive year, chinook salmon anglers on the Snake River in Hells Canyon face restrictions on keeping wild salmon. The season, which runs through October 31 from Hells Canyon Dam to the Washington border, allows for a daily bag limit of three adult salmon, but restricts the retention of wild chinook to only one per day.

These regulations apply to salmon longer than 24 inches with an intact adipose fin. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) implemented the limit due to an expected lower-than-average salmon return. District fish biologist Kyle Bratcher stated that tightening wild adult retention is necessary to stay within ESA impact limits and protect the viability of steelhead fisheries.

There are currently no limits on the number of salmon jacks, defined as fish less than 24 inches, that anglers may keep.