Idaho Fish Report

Trout fishing opened on May 22nd on the Umatilla River. Anglers have found success through Pendleton, as well as in the upper headwaters. As flow continue to drop and water temperatures increase look for fish to move upstream into the cooler water upstream.

The spring Chinook fishery on the Umatilla River opened on April 16. The bag limit is 2 adult and 5 jack hatchery spring Chinook per day. The spring Chinook predicted to return to the Umatilla River this year has not been as expected, but the Umatilla River still is a great opportunity for anglers to harvest a spring Chinook. As of June 2nd, 2023 there have been a total of 1641 spring Chinook that returned to Three Mile Falls Dam (TMFD).

Most spring Chinook start entering the Umatilla in early May, however with the cold temps and higher run off this year the fish are be delayed from normal run timing. The fishing has slowed down with lower flows and warmer water temperatures in the past week, with anglers catching most fish in the mornings. Anglers have been focusing their efforts primarily near the mouth, however there have been approximately 892 fish released above the dam so the fish should be moving upstream as well.

The spring Chinook season from Hwy 730 to TMFD closes after June 10th, and above TMFD to CTUIR reservation boundary will be open until June 30th unless the catch quota is met prior.