Spencer Creek will close a month early to protect spawning salmon, Chinook return to Klamath River after dam removal

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Sept. 30 will be the last day to fish on Spencer Creek this year, as this tributary of the Klamath River will be closed as of Oct. 1 to protect spawning fall Chinook salmon.

Spencer Creek has traditionally been closed to fishing from Nov. 1 to May 21 each year, the usual timeframe for streams that close to trout fishing part of the year. But in October of last year, fall Chinook were documented there for the first time since 1912 after four Lower Klamath River dams were removed.

By closing the fishery at the end of September, one month earlier than normal, ODFW hopes to prevent impacts to spawning salmon. Fall Chinook are expected to enter Spencer Creek in early fall as they typically spawn from October through December.

"Through weekly live counts, redd, and carcass surveys last year, we saw a robust response in fall Chinook returning to Spencer Creek for the first time in over 100 years," said Carolyn Malecha, ODFW fish biologist in Klamath Falls. "We are optimistic that if salmon continue to return in high numbers, we might see a self-sustaining population become established."

Anglers are reminded that the Southeast Zone (Upper Klamath Basin) remains closed to angling for Chinook and coho salmon. State, federal and fish biologists are actively assessing salmon populations post dam removal with some stocks being allowed to naturally repopulate and others needing active reintroduction efforts.

Starting in 2026, these new fishing dates on Spencer Creek will be in the permanent regulations (fishing open May 22 to Sept. 30), after the change was recently approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission.