John Day River to open for spring Chinook fishing

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday that the upper John Day River will open for salmon fishing from May 20 through June 7.

The river will be open for the 26 miles from the Hwy 207 bridge (located .5 mile downstream of Service Creek) upstream to the mouth of North Fork John Day River near Kimberly.

According to Brent Smith, ODFW fish biologist in John Day, this year’s spring Chinook return over Bonneville Dam has exceeded the escapement goals for the John Day River.

“Over 4,000 adults returning to the John Day have crossed Bonneville Dam so far,” Smith said “These high numbers can be credited, in part, to habitat and passage improvements that have occurred throughout John Day basin – much of it on private land.”

The daily bag limit will be two adult Chinook salmon and five jack salmon; it is unlawful to continue fishing for jacks after taking a daily bag limit of two adult Chinook salmon.

Both wild and hatchery (adipose clipped) salmon can be harvested. A fishing license, including a Columbia River Endorsement and a combined angling tag, is required for this fishery.

ODFW will conduct random angler surveys throughout the fishery area with periodic check stations at Spray and Service Creek to collect angler information.

For more information contact Brent Smith, acting district fish biologist at 541-575-1167 x225.