First spring Chinook salmon season in the lower Deschutes River since 2018 will open in early May

THE DALLES, Ore. (KTVZ) —The lower Deschutes River will be open for spring Chinook salmon from May 5-20, the first such season in eight years, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said Wednesday.

"This is exciting news for anglers as the last spring Chinook season on the Deschutes was in 2018," said Jason Seals, Deschutes District Fish Biologist. "We're expecting a return of more than 2,000 hatchery spring Chinook."

ODFW says the following regulations will be in effect:

• Area and dates: From the mouth at the I-84 Bridge upstream to Sherars Falls, from May 5-20.
• Bag limit: One hatchery Chinook salmon per day and five hatchery jack Chinook salmon per day. All wild (non-adipose fin clipped) Chinook salmon must be released unharmed.
• It is unlawful to continue to angle from Sherars Falls downstream to the upper railroad trestle (three miles) after taking a daily bag limit of one adult Chinook salmon (e.g. no fishing for salmon, trout, steelhead or any other fish).

All other permanent rules apply as found in the 2026 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.