Fall Chinook Restrictions to go into Effect in Parts of Klamath, CA
OutdoorHub 09.21.11
Klamath Riversport anglers have nearly reached the 3,950 quota of adult fall-run Chinook salmon, triggering a size restriction on the lower river on Thursday, Sept. 22. As of Thursday, anglers along the river’s lower 40 miles may no longer keep adult fall-run Chinook that are 22 inches or more in length.
“We’re encouraged by the Klamath River salmon returns so far this year and recreational river fisherman have taken their full allotted quota already,” said Neil Manji, Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Northern Region Manager. “Some fishermen may be disappointed with the new restrictions, but it’s good news because it means that there’s more fish in the river this year.”
Klamath anglers downstream of the Highway 96 Bridge at Weitchpec (at the confluence with the Trinity River) will be able to continue fishing for jack salmon. The daily limit is three salmon 22 inches or shorter.
Anglers fishing at the mouth of the Klamath River have also reached their sub-quota of 592 adults Chinook caught below the Highway 101 bridge, triggering a closure of the spit area (within 100 yards of the channel through the sand spit formed at the mouth). Sport fishing in this area will close on Sept. 22.
DFG biologists have been closely monitoring fish landings in the Klamath area in September. The 3,950 quota of adult Chinook salmon is half the number of adult fish allotted to recreational anglers for the entire Klamath-Trinity River basin.
The remaining 3,950 adult Chinook salmon are available to recreational anglers on the Klamath River above the Highway 96 Bridge at Weitchpec and on the Trinity River. These areas will remain open to the take of adult Chinook salmon until DFG determines that the sub-quotas for these areas have been met.
Anglers may keep track of the status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling 1 (800) 564-6479.
