LA GRANDE, Ore. – Lookingglass Creek, a tributary to the Grande Ronde River at Palmer Junction, will open for spring Chinook fishing Wednesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 29. The open area is from the mouth upstream to the confluence of Jarboe Creek.

After early season projections made it appear impossible for a fishery to be open, a late push of Lookingglass fish have recently crossed over Bonneville Dam. Not only are more fish coming up the river, but there have also been a decent number of fish trapped at the Lookingglass weir. With these two factors combined, projections are now looking good for a fishery.
  
“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.”

For Oregon spring run Chinook to still be coming over Bonneville this late is rare. Most years, the run of Lookingglass fish over Bonneville is completely done by mid-June. After thinking that this fishery would not be open this year, it is exciting that the streak of open years can continue for the fourth year.

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.

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.

Additionally, there is construction occurring at the Lookingglass hatchery. Large equipment may be going up and down the road during the day. Anglers will need to make sure they are parked well off the road so that equipment can get through.
  
Anglers are also reminded to ensure they have both Columbia Basin Endorsement and Combined Angling Tag in addition to their fishing license.

For the latest on Northeast Oregon and Snake River fishing in-season regulation changes, visit: 

https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/northeast-zone  

https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/snake-zone