LA GRANDE, Ore. – Lookingglass Creek opens up for spring Chinook fishing on June 18 through June 29, with the open area extending from the mouth of the creek upstream to the merging point of Jarboe Creek.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, early projections suggested there wouldn’t be enough returning fish to allow for a season, but a late surge of Chinook has crossed Bonneville Dam, with a number of fish also trapped at the Lookingglass weir. These improved numbers have made the fishery possible after all.

“This has been a unique year for predicting the run to Lookingglass. Based on data from tagged fish, Lookingglass Creek Chinook are still coming over Bonneville Dam,” said Ethan Brandt, ODFW District Fish Biologist in La Grande. “A few weeks ago, when using the average run timing, the chance for enough fish to return to make up the gap to have a fishery was slim to none.”

ODFW says it’s rare for Oregon spring Chinook to be passing Bonneville in late June, as the fish run is typically finished by the middle of the month. With the unexpected boost, it marks the fourth consecutive year the fishery has remained open.

Harvest limits at this time allow anglers to keep two adipose fin-clipped adult Chinook and five fin-clipped jacks (under 24 inches) per day. Jack salmon do not need to be recorded on the Combined Angling Tag, but anglers must stop fishing for jacks once the adult limit is reached. All wild (unmarked) Chinook must be released unharmed.

Fishing in Lookingglass Creek is limited to artificial flies and lures, with no bait allowed. This is to protect threatened bull trout populations.

Anglers should also note that much of the open area borders private timberlands open to public access, while land downstream of the Moses Creek Lane Bridge is private and not open. ODFW asks that anglers respect property owners, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing residents.

ODFW also advises visitors to park well off the road to allow access to heavy equipment due to construction taking place at Lookingglass Hatchery.

Don’t forget: anglers must carry both a Columbia Basin Endorsement and a Combined Angling Tag, along with their fishing license.

For the latest updates on fishing regulations in Northeast Oregon and the Snake River, visit:

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

For the latest on Northeast Oregon regulations, visit here. For Snake River fishing in-season regulation changes, visit here.