Idaho Fish Report

The spring Chinook fishery on the Umatilla River is open currently. The bag limit is 2 adult and 5 jack hatchery spring Chinook. The spring fishery is being monitored very closely by fisheries managers to make sure that enough fish are returning for the Umatilla broodstock program and to provide fishing opportunities.‌

The high flows following last week's rain event caused more than 500 spring Chinook to enter to the river. Now that the river is dropping into shape, anglers should expect good fishing for spring Chinook. Anglers have been finding success using a bobber and egg set up or small spoons. ‌

Trout fishing opens on May 22 on the Umatilla River and there is now a new regulation in place with a hook gap size that may not exceed 3/8 inch in the section of the Umatilla River above the CTUIR reservation. This new regulation is to protect bull trout and decrease the chance of hooking mortality.‌

As a reminder, if you catch a bull trout, recognized by its white spots, please keep it in the water and release it as quickly as possible. No targeting of bull trout is allowed in the Umatilla River.