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Spring Chinook Fishery Opens on Powder River by Staff Salem-News, June 5, 2009

LA GRANDE, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) plans to release approximately 200 spring chinook salmon into the Powder River to create a unique fishing opportunity. A May 30 to September 1 angling season has been established to harvest these fish.

The open area is from Hughes Lane Bridge near Baker City to Mason Dam. The daily bag limit is 2 spring chinook salmon.

Although the season officially opened on May 30, no fish were available until Thursday, June 4, when approximately 75 fish were released. ODFW plans to release the remainder of the fish during the next two weeks. The salmon are being released immediately below Mason Dam.

This opportunity has been made possible due to an anticipated surplus of spring chinook returning to Hells Canyon Dam on the Snake River. Salmon smolts are released at Hells Canyon Dam for the express purpose of providing fisheries in the Snake River.

When salmon numbers are determined by the fishery co-managers to be in excess of this need, some salmon are trapped at Hells Canyon Dam and transported to tributaries to provide unique fishing opportunities.

Anglers are reminded to "ask first" before entering private lands and to check the 2009 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for gear restrictions, legal angling times and other sport fishing regulations.

For more information Contact the ODFW Northeast Region Office in La Grande at (541) 963-2138.