Fall Chinook

[Got_Bait]

Anybody here have the pleasure of harvesting a fall chinook last year in Idaho? Or even C&R? I caught some springers this year at Hell's Canyon Dam, so it's got me really considering running up there to check it out. . . . if the fall season they proposed gets approved.
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[Mojo1]

I caught several while fishing for steelhead last fall. I wouldn't have bonked any of the ones I saw or caught. They were somewhat boot like in their appearance. If you want to harvest one, I would suggest fishing the first week of the season, and down near Lewiston. The water is about 30 degrees warmer than it is in the spring, and these fish turn a lot faster. Also Springers are spawning now, after entering the Columbia in February. Fall fish spawn in October/November/December.

They are a hoot to catch, being much larger on average than a springer. Good luck!!
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[Rockjmpr]

How soon will we know if the proposed fall Chinook season is approved and where it's open? Even some of the later kings can be salvaged if smoked just right[]
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[jigs]

The fall Chinook salmon harvest season on the Snake River between Lewiston and Hells Canyon Dam opens Tuesday, September 1, the same day Snake River steelhead harvest season opens.

1 fish limit weather a jack or adult
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[Rockjmpr]

Thanks man, Might be able to swing that one. How long will the kings stay open or is it a number quota?
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[jigs]

It will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until October 31 or until further notice. Fishery managers predict the largest fall Chinook salmon run in four decades - they expect more than 28,000 fall Chinook to cross Lower Granite Dam on their way back to Idaho. Most of them are headed for the Snake River above the mouth of the Clearwater River.
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[Mojo1]

Most of these fish are wild fish. Your chances of finding a clipped fish are pretty slim. Here is one from last fall. I wouldn't eat it even if it had a clipped fin.

If you are seriously looking for something worth eating, I suggest the Columbia, either the Hanford Reach or below McNary.

Good luck!
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[jigs]

i think if i were to go i would go with the outlook that i am steelhead fishing if you catch a salmon its just a extra bonus.
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[Rockjmpr]

Wow that's great news, I need to get in the loop and on my horse to take advantage of this...
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[Rockjmpr]

You are right but Ya know I would still quick smoke or make squaw candy out of the one in your photo[] was the action very good or real slow when you went? & where did you catch this one?
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[Mojo1]

Like Jigs said, go steelhead fishing, and you might catch one. On an average weekend at Hanford Reach, you'll catch a bunch, but in Idaho, you will be lucky to tag one.

Not trying to be a downer, just realistic. I logged a bunch of days on the river, and only caught a handful iof chinook last fall.

I caught that fish in the pond at Lewiston on a lit kwikfish.
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[Rockjmpr]

Sounds like good advice, thanks
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