Protecting Spawning Salmon & Redds


The Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the few remaining viable spawning rivers for Chinook salmon in the Columbia River basin. These fish are critical to the health of the Middle Fork and adjacent lands and they are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Use and visitation to the Middle Fork during the spawning period of August 15 – September 15 is allowed but special Forest Service restrictions apply.

Middle Fork river outfitters are in the forefront in taking steps to protect and enhance Chinook salmon recovery. Our outfitter and guides diligently support and adhere to the following guidelines and we encourage other river users to join us in efforts to protect spawning Chinook salmon and their redds. The Chinook spawning season on the main-stem Middle Fork occurs for a month, from August 15-September 15.

In The News: February 9, 2021

NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Steve Stuebner, sstuebner@cableone.net; 208-484-0295

Middle Fork Salmon River outfitters “thrilled” to support Simpson’s plan to save endangered salmon and steelhead

Stanley – (Feb. 9, 2021) –  Idaho’s Middle Fork Outfitters Association wholeheartedly supports a new, innovative $33 billion plan sponsored by Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, to restore endangered salmon and steelhead runs to sustainable levels in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Click here to view the press release in its entirety.

In The News: December 5, 2019

MFOA RESOLUTION: Restoration of Wild Chinook Salmon to the Middle Fork Salmon River

Lewiston – (Dec. 5, 2019) –  THEREFORE IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the MFOA supports Lower Snake River dam breaching as the most significant way to restore sustainable wild Chinook salmon to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Click here to view the resolution release in its entirety.

In The News: August 14, 2018

NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Grant Simonds; 208-867-2138

All float-boat parties urged to steer around Chinook salmon redds

STANLEY – (Aug. 14, 2018) – Starting Wednesday, Aug. 15, all boaters on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River will be urged to steer clear of Chinook salmon spawning nests, known as redds, as they navigate the 100-mile-long National Wild and Scenic River in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

The Chinook spawning season on the main-stem Middle Fork occurs for a month, from August 15-September 15. The Middle Fork Ranger District is in the process of identifying key salmon spawning areas so boaters will know which areas to avoid. Click here to view the press release in its entirety.

Before Launching

  • Obtain current info from Forest Service River Interpreters.
  • Know the locations of Redds.
  • Understand and recognize the placement of redd markers.
  • Obtain briefing from the volunteer monitor or River Interpreters.
  • Inform passengers of redd rules.

While Boating

  • Avoid redds to protect eggs and spawning fish.
  • No fishing for Salmon. Leave them alone.
  • Stay at least 25 feet away from all redds.
  • No wading, fishing, casting, or boating near redds.
  • Obey marker protocol.

More Information

Note to the Press

For more information about Chinook Salmon recovery, please contact Grant Simonds, Executive Director of the Middle Fork Outfitters Association. Telephone: 1-208-867-2138.