Lookingglass Creek, a tributary to the Grande Ronde River at Palmer Junction, will open to fishing for hatchery spring chinook Saturday, June 2 through Saturday, June 23. The open area is from the Moses Creek Lane Bridge (County Road 42) upstream to the confluence of Jarboe Creek.

“The Lookingglass Creek Chinook run has surprised us this year with a return much larger than initially expected,” said Tim Bailey, ODFW district fish biologist in La Grande. “This year’s run is expected to be around 1,400 adult Chinook, the majority being hatchery fish.”

Anglers may retain two adipose fin-clipped chinook adults and five adipose fin-clipped jacks per day, with two daily limits in possession. Jack salmon are less than 24-inches long. 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.

As with the trout fishery that opened on Lookingglass Creek on May 22, anglers are restricted to artificial flies and lures while fishing for salmon―no bait. "There are bull trout in Lookingglass Creek, and bait fishing could pose a threat to them, so all fishing in the creek is restricted to artificial flies and lures," Bailey said.

The area open to fishing is bordered by private timberlands owned by Forest Capital and open to public access. Anglers are reminded to respect private property by picking up trash when leaving.

Anglers will need a Columbia Basin Endorsement for this fishery.

For more information, contact the ODFW East Region Office in La Grande at (541) 963-2138.