Umatilla River spring Chinook season to close May 30

PENDLETON, Ore. – ODFW will close recreational spring Chinook retention in the Umatilla River Basin from May 30 through June 30, 2026.

The closure will be in effect from the mouth of the Umatilla River, near Highway 730 bridge, to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) boundary (approximately 0.7 miles above Hwy 11 bridge).The closure extends from the mouth of the Umatilla upstream to the (CTUIR) reservation boundary and from the upper border of the reservation to the Umatilla headwaters including all tributaries.

The state fishery has met its total spring Chinook harvest quota. Total harvest is based off the total returns to the mouth of the Umatilla and with expected returns not meeting current numbers, the fishery will need to close to make sure that escapement and tribal harvest is adequately met. Fishery managers predicted a return of 2,200 fish back to the Umatilla River, however the total run size was downgraded in the TAC forecast and only approximately 1300 adults to date have been counted at Three Mile Falls Dam collection facility.

For the latest regulations and other fishing opportunities in Northeast Zone, visit https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/northeast-zone.