Lookingglass Creek opens May 24 for spring Chinook fishing

LA GROTE – (ODFW Release) Lookingglass Creek, a tributary of the Grande Ronde River at Palmer Junction, will open to hatchery Chinook fishing Friday, May 24 through June 14. The open area runs from the mouth upstream to the confluence of Jarboe Creek.

Anglers are allowed to retain two adipose-finned chinook adults and five adipose-finned jacks per day. Jack salmon are less than 24 inches long. Anglers are not required to record jack catches on their combined rod tags, but it is illegal to continue fishing for jack chinook once the adult bag limit has been reached. Unmarked (wild) fish must be released carefully and unharmed.

“It’s great that we can bring a chinook fishery to Union County and open this fishery for the third year in a row,” said Ethan Brandt, fish biologist with the ODFW District in La Grande. “This year we are happy that we were able to open it during both Memorial Day weekend and Free Fishing Weekend,” Brandt said.

Lookingglass Creek anglers are limited to artificial flies and lures when fishing for salmon. To protect the bull trout, an endangered species, the use of bait is prohibited.

Anglers should be aware that private forest areas open to the public are adjacent to much of the area open to recreational fishing, and that private residences downstream of the Moses Creek Lane Bridge are not open to the public. Fishermen are reminded to respect all private property by picking up trash when leaving and respecting the privacy of local residents.

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 news on fishing regulations changes in Northeast Oregon and Snake River during the season, visit:

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

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