Salmon Shark Carcass Found On Idaho’s Salmon River

It probably didn’t swim there on its own like the bluefin tuna that turned up on an Orcas Island beach earlier this summer, but Idaho officials are confirming that yesterday they investigated the carcass of a salmon shark found on the Salmon River near Riggins.

That’s only about 50 kajillion miles above the saltwater habitat of salmon sharks, a North Pacific species, and none were recorded passing through the Columbia-Snake dams fish ladders, making it pretty likely that somebody thought they’d pull a prank.

“I think it is safe to assume that somebody dropped this on the shore for a good laugh. I certainly have laughed about it. This would have been a great April’s Fools Joke,” said Idaho Department of Fish and Game Clearwater Region manager Joe DuPont in a blog posted this morning.

Hardy har har har.

The Salmon River has become home to increasing numbers of smallmouth bass and, unfortunately, walleye, but it will never host any relatives of Jaws.

The shark was reported to be found at Shorts Bar boat ramp, which is just above the confluence of the Salmon and Little Salmon Rivers east of Riggins.

“If you were one of those people who saw this fish on the shore or maybe somebody shared the photos with you, rest assured, we have no sharks swimming around in Idaho,” DuPont added.