>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Anglers have more than the Fourth of July to celebrate today.

A season for hatchery spring Chinook salmon opened today on the Imnaha and Wallowa rivers. The season will run through July 13.

The following areas along the rivers are now open for spring Chinook according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Imnaha River — From the mouth of the river to Summit Creek Bridge

Wallowa River — From the lower end of Minam State Park up to the mouth of the Lostine River. Signs are posted at the lower end of Minam State Park indicating where people can begin fishing.

Anglers can take one adipose fin-clipped adult Chinook salmon and five adipose fin-clipped jacks per day. Jacks are younger salmon that are 15 to 20 inches long. Anglers are allowed to have up to 10 jacks with them if they landed five of the salmon in previous days.

People must stop fishing for the day once they have landed an adult.

All unmarked salmon caught must be released unharmed.

The ODFW worked with the Nez Perce Tribe and the National Marine Fisheries Service in developing the dates and regulations for the season.

“It was an on again, off again planning effort due to constant adjustments in run forecasts. It is nice to see our efforts pay for the sport anglers,’’ said Brad Smith, an ODFW fish biologist stationed in Enterprise.

The sport fishery quota will be 174 hatchery fish, 84 on the Wallowa and 90 on the Imnaha. ODFW biologists estimate that 3,681 spring Chinook will be returning to these rivers this year. About 74 percent of these salmon will be hatchery fish.

Anglers are reminded that in addition to a valid 2008 Oregon fishing license, they must possess a Combined Angling Tag to fish for spring Chinook. All other statewide salmon great restrictions in the 2008 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations apply.

Tribal members may also be fishing for spring Chinook using traditional methods.

Private property borders much of the area open to sport fishing. Anglers are thus reminded to ask permission before entering private property to fish.