Sudden salmon season angers retailers

SALMON, Idaho – Some retailers and recreational companies are angry about the Idaho Fish and Game Commission’s timing in deciding to open a salmon season on the upper Salmon River this weekend.

The commission voted Friday to open a section of the river to salmon anglers for the first time in 27 years – and set the opening day as Saturday, less than 24 hours after the vote.

“Tackle shops don’t keep inventory on hand for decades,” said Kristin Troy of Idaho Adventures, a rafting and fishing guiding service. “After 27 years of denial, to have a salmon season dropped in our lap overnight gives this community no chance to plan for any positive economic impact.”

After the commission’s announcement, Silver Spur Sports owner Kim Cook placed an order for salmon fishing tackle and equipment. But Cook said the gear probably won’t arrive in time to be of any use this season.

“Let’s just say I’m making a limited investment,” Cook said.

He was not sure he would sell enough Sunday to justify opening.

“It’s going to be real hard to find line in this town big enough to pull in a 25-pound fish,” Cook said. “Even a few days of notice would have made a difference. I’m not saying that out of greed, but just out of wanting to get people what they need to fish.”

Commissioners voted to limit the harvest to between 150 and 450 chinook salmon. Fish managers will decide when to close the season.