Boise, Payette Rivers Will Get Extra Chinook

The Fish and Game Commission has voted to truck hatchery-raised chinook salmon to the Boise and Payette rivers so even more anglers can take advantage of this year’s excellent chinook return.

The season on the two rivers was immediately opened with hours from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fish from the Rapid River hatchery in Riggins and the South Fork Salmon River trap were released in the two rivers.

The commission set the limits on the Boise and Payette at two per day, four in possession and 18 for the season.

Salmon and steelhead coordinator Sharon Kiefer said this year’s strong run allowed expanded sport fishing. The run had previously permitted the first salmon season on traditional rivers in 30 years.

Sportsmen hope it will raise the visibility of salmon recovery efforts.

Chinook salmon, which are endangered, have not run the Boise or Payette river since the late 1950s when the Brownlee Dam on the Snake River was finished.

Although this year boasted a salmon surplus, juvenile fish heading for the ocean number among the fewest in history, seriously limiting prospects for future seasons.