Salmon River corridor access restrictions start Aug. 15
Ketchum, Idaho — The Sawtooth National Recreation Area will implement mitigation measures in the Salmon River corridor for the protection of spawning salmon Aug. 15 through Sep. 22.
The temporary restrictions, outlined in detail in Occupancy and Use Order 0414-04-134, give spawning salmon their best chance of successfully depositing their eggs in the gravels of the Salmon River.
“We all have an important role to play in protecting threatened salmon populations,” said Acting Sawtooth National Recreation Area Ranger Michael Fuller. “Visitors can do their part by avoiding activities that can disturb the salmon and prevent them from spawning in these areas, where and when we know spawning occurs.”
Activities, like wading or walking in the river, throwing rocks, and making loud noises, can damage the spawning habitat and stress the fish species.
Effective Aug. 15, Indian Riffles and Torrey’s Hole are designated quiet zones, and the following stretches of river are closed to boating:
- Buckhorn Bridge to Stanley,
- Mormon Bend to Yankee Fork, and
- Torrey's Takeout to the Eastern boundary of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Effective Aug. 29, Snyder Springs boat ramp to the Eastern Boundary of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area will be closed. Boaters will need to carry watercraft and cargo over land around the Indian Riffles area and take out at the Snyder Springs boat ramp at milepost 208.8 to avoid floating through Torrey’s Hole.
The entire river closes to float boating Sep. 3 and will reopen for use Sep. 23.
For additional information, contact the Stanley Ranger Station at 208-774-3000 or the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters at 208-727-5000.
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