Idaho cuts fall Chinook and steelhead bags after Thursday

Idaho Fish and Game is tightening two anadromous bags at the same time. The changes take effect at the end of fishing hours Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026 — not before. Fall Chinook anglers may keep only adipose-clipped adults. The daily limit stays three adults, possession stays three times the daily bag, and there is no season limit. Unclipped adults go back. Managers say the natural-origin return is under the preseason forecast and the fishery is nearing its allowable impacts on those fish.

Steelhead daily limits drop to two fish statewide. That two-fish bag is listed for the Snake; the Upper, Middle, and Lower Salmon; and the Little Salmon. On the Clearwater and its open tributaries — including the North, Middle, and South forks — the daily limit is still two, but only one may be 28 inches or longer.

IDFG’s Sept. 15 steelhead update calls the 2026 return one of the lowest on record. The U.S. v. Oregon TAC downgraded the Bonneville A/B Index to 61,500 fish, the lowest count on record. Oregon and Washington have already closed Columbia River steelhead harvest. More than 90 percent of this year’s Idaho-bound fish are two-ocean fish — larger fish, and larger females generally carry more eggs, which IDFG called the silver lining for hatchery egg-take.

Confirm the live IDFG Chinook and steelhead tables before you keep a fish.

Photo: Idaho Fish and Game (steelhead, 2026 update).

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Idaho Fish and Game — 2026 Idaho Steelhead Update. Also: Dailyfly — Idaho Fish and Game Changes Fall Chinook and Steelhead Bag Limits. IDFG via EIN — IDFG modifies fall Chinook and steelhead bag limits.