06-19-2008, 11:10 AM
With fish starting to move and water levels continuing to fall on the Salmon and the Little Salmon rivers, now is the time for anglers to pack their gear and head for Riggins.
<br>In the past few days, boat and bank anglers have started picking up salmon at the mouth of the Little Salmon River as the fish begin the final leg of their migration.<br>
<br>"Salmon fishing in Riggins has improved recently as water levels drop," Fish and Game fisheries manager Dale Allen said. "This is the time spring salmon anglers have been waiting for."<br>
<br>Flows on the Salmon River have dropped below 40,000 cubic feet per second. With anglers harvesting fish on this stretch, the salmon fishing season on the Salmon River probably will close on schedule at the end of fishing hours on June 22. The Little Salmon River will remain open.<br>
<br>Angler crowding has not been an issue thus far.<br>
<br>"The sluggish migration, cool weather and high flows have kept people away," Allen said. "But it appears that all those factors are now shifting in favor of salmon anglers."<br>
<br>Salmon anglers must have a valid fishing license and salmon tag to fish for - or harvest - hatchery Chinook salmon.
<br>In the past few days, boat and bank anglers have started picking up salmon at the mouth of the Little Salmon River as the fish begin the final leg of their migration.<br>
<br>"Salmon fishing in Riggins has improved recently as water levels drop," Fish and Game fisheries manager Dale Allen said. "This is the time spring salmon anglers have been waiting for."<br>
<br>Flows on the Salmon River have dropped below 40,000 cubic feet per second. With anglers harvesting fish on this stretch, the salmon fishing season on the Salmon River probably will close on schedule at the end of fishing hours on June 22. The Little Salmon River will remain open.<br>
<br>Angler crowding has not been an issue thus far.<br>
<br>"The sluggish migration, cool weather and high flows have kept people away," Allen said. "But it appears that all those factors are now shifting in favor of salmon anglers."<br>
<br>Salmon anglers must have a valid fishing license and salmon tag to fish for - or harvest - hatchery Chinook salmon.