Idaho’s summer chinook season is about to hit its stride. Here’s where to find them

It’s shaping up to be one of the better summer seasons for chinook salmon in recent memory. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game opened seasons on the South Fork Salmon, Upper Salmon and Lochsa River on June 18 — those seasons will remain open seven days a week until harvest goals are achieved.

This is the first time a chinook fishery has been open in the Upper Salmon River fishery since 2019, and the first for the section below the Pahsimeroi River since 2018.

Fishing for Chinook on the South Fork Salmon is a personal favorite of mine. Most of the river is a small, clear stream, where sight-casting to fish that can surpass three feet in length is an awesome angling opportunity. Based on reports, the fish haven’t arrived in large numbers yet. That will likely happen over the next two weeks.

Fish and Game does a good job providing online updates on fish counts, angler success, season changes/closures and more. Check in frequently to get the most up-to-date information. Chinook fishing does require a salmon permit. It can be a lot of work — many trips involve full days on the river for a small handful of opportunities — but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of battling an ocean-run salmon. Do some research, use Fish and Game’s tools to help plan your trip, and give it a shot. Your odds this season are better than they’ve been in a while. Tight lines!

Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures and questions with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com, or visit www.tightlines208.com for the latest local fishing reports and upcoming class offerings.

This story was originally published June 24, 2022 at 3:22 PM.