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The overarching goal of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Harvest Management Program is to provide treaty-reserved fishing opportunities to Tribal members, while managing fishery impacts to ESA-listed Snake River spring/summer Chinook salmon. Tribal harvest is managed according to the SBT’s Tribal Resource Management Plans for the Salmon and Grande Ronde/Imnaha river basins.
Current and Upcoming Curtailments
The Upper Salmon River (mainstem above Valley Creek) was curtailed effective 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 26, 2026.
SBT Fishing Effort
As of July 28th, there has been Chinook fishing effort observed of Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Members in the South Fork of the Salmon River, the Upper Salmon River (Sawtooth), Bear Valley Creek, Marsh Creek, Panther Creek, Pahsimeroi, and the East Fork of the South Fork. Given hours fished, the most success has been seen in the South Fork of the Salmon River as well as Panther Creek.
Fish Distributions
Fish Distributions
The Harvest Management program received 131 Chinook jacks from the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery on Friday, July 17th, and an additional 118 jacks on Thursday, July 23rd. All fish were handed out to the membership via fish distribution events. Unfortunately, only jacks can be distributed at this time as Sawtooth has not yet met broodstock needs. As of the Tuesday morning weekly Snake Basin Coordination Call, an additional 90 adults were needed to meet broodstock needs.
With an active fishery in the South Fork Salmon River (SF), there are currently no plans for fish distributions. Once agencies begin curtailing their fisheries in the SF, we can revisit distribution plans. Unfortunately, Pahsimeroi Fish hatchery has received such low returns this year that they do not anticipate any Chinook fish distributions.
Continue checking the harvest website for upcoming fish distribution!
Panther Creek Fishery Update!!!
In 2024, ad-clipped smolts were released into Panther Creek. This year, adults are returning from this smolt release. Thus, in addition to the natural guideline of 3 adults, this year Panther Creek also has a hatchery guideline of 35 adults.
2026 Chinook Run Update
Fisheries Mapping Tool
Click on any Fisheries Management Area (FMA), Campsite, or Water Flow Point for more information
To see how many Chinook adult returns have returned to a trapping location (either IDFG or SBT), click the respective FMA below.
FMAs shaded red are curtailed for the 2026 season.
2026 Chinook Forecast
The Chinook pre-season forecast was 147,300 Chinook salmon; however, in-season updates predict a forecast of 111,900 Chinook salmon to the Columbia River mouth.
Tribal Programs
Tribal programs in Bear Valley Creek, Panther Creek, the East Fork, and the Yankee Fork Salmon River will continue through 2026 and are all successfully installed.
Weir Guidelines
Please remember to review Harvest Regulations and Guidelines prior to fishing. Required fishing distances from weirs vary.
Idaho Fish and Game Spring/Summer Chinook Fisheries
The state currently has no open fisheries. The state's South Fork fishery closed at the end of fishing hours on Wednesday, July 29th.
Changes at Sawtooth Fish Hatchery
Changes at South Fork
For the last couple of years, the Chinook salmon fishery on the South Fork of the Salmon river has implemented a tribal only fishing area between the lower boundary posted at Jakie Creek Bridge and the confluence. This fishery will continue into 2026, however the lower boundary has shifted slightly to be 50 yards downstream of the Jakie Creek Bridge. Please see the images below for reference.
Tribal only fishery shown in red
Tribal only fishery shown in red
New lower boundary sign location
New lower boundary sign location
Water Clarity Images
(updated on June 10, 2026)
Mainstem Salmon River near the mouth of the East Fork Salmon River
Mainstem Salmon River near the mouth of the East Fork Salmon River
Mainstem Salmon River near the mouth of Valley Creek
Mainstem Salmon River near the mouth of Valley Creek
Camping Information
Per the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the Secretary shall not charge any standard amenity recreation fee or expanded amenity recreation fee for Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, or the Bureau of Reclamation under this chapter for any person who has a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific provision of law or treaty. (16 U.S.C. § 6802. d Limitations on recreation fees (2011))
Click here to view additional fishing-associated files
(Current and upcoming curtailments, USFS maps and press releases regarding current/upcoming road closures, and a Northeast Oregon info sheet)
Fishing regulations and Guidelines for the 2026 Chinook salmon season are available at the Fish and Wildlife Department. If you have any questions, please contact the Fish & Wildlife Department at (208) 239-4551.
If you have any issues with the website, please send an email to Rebecca.Croy@sbtribes.com.
Additional Links
Hatchery Returns = https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/chinook/returns?updated-June2020=
IDFG Sport Fisheries = https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/chinook/rules
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