Northeast Oregon Creek Again Opening For Springers

THE FOLLOWING IS AN OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE PRESS RELEASE

Lookingglass Creek, a tributary to the Grande Ronde River at Palmer Junction, will open to fishing for hatchery spring Chinook on Saturday, June 3 through June 11. The open area is from the mouth upstream to the confluence of Jarboe Creek.

A SCREENSHOT FROM AN ODFW DOCUMENT DETAILING THE SPRING CHINOOK PROGRAM ON LOOKINGGLASS CREEK IN NORTHEAST OREGON SHOWS THE HATCHERY THE SALMON RETURN TO. LAST YEAR SAW THE FIRST FISHERY SINCE 2018 AND ACCORDING TO STATE STATS, 77 WERE HARVESTED.. (ODFW)

Anglers may retain two adipose fin-clipped chinook adults and five adipose fin-clipped jacks per day. Jack salmon are less than 24 inches in length. Anglers do not need to record jack catch on their combined angling tags, but it is illegal to continue fishing for jack Chinook once the adult bag limit is met. Unmarked (wild) fish must be released carefully and unharmed.

“We are excited to open a fishery to give the public the ability to angle for Chinook in Union County,” said Ethan Brandt, new ODFW District Fish Biologist in La Grande. “This is a popular fishery that was open last season and we hope that we will be able to consistently open this fishery in the future,” added Brandt.

Lookingglass Creek anglers are restricted to artificial flies and lures while fishing for salmon. The use of bait is prohibited in order to protect bull trout, a threatened species.

Anglers should be aware that private timberlands open to public access border a majority of the area open to sport fishing, and private residences downstream of the Moses Creek Lane Bridge are not open to public access. Anglers are reminded to respect all private property by picking up trash when leaving and respecting the privacy of nearby residents.

Anglers are also reminded to ensure they have both Columbia Basin Endorsement and Combined Angling Tag in addition to their fishing license.