Press Release
Salmon River Restoration for Chinook and Sockeye Recovery Efforts
Media Contacts

STANLEY, Idaho – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lower Snake River Compensation Plan program will implement an in-river project immediately downstream of the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery in the summer of 2024 that benefits both Chinook and sockeye salmon in the Upper Salmon River. The project will fill the scour hole at the Sawtooth fish weir approximately 6 miles south of Stanley, Idaho. The project aims to improve passage of adult Chinook and sockeye salmon into the hatchery trap. A similar project was carried out in the early 2000s, but the scour hole has since reformed. 

This work will involve the placement of 2,200 cubic yards of large rock and native channel substrate to restore riffle habitat and promote passage of native fish through the hatchery facility and into upstream habitats. Large boulders will also be placed in the channel for returning fish to rest behind while continuing their 900-mile journey from the Pacific Ocean. 

In-stream work will occur between July 22 and August 14 to minimize disturbance to adult Chinook salmon and prior to the return of the sockeye salmon. During the project, the west side of the Salmon River at the fish weir will be closed to the public. Dump trucks and heavy equipment will be placing rock into the restoration area creating some noise disturbance from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. 

Visitors are still welcome to the hatchery during the project. Both sport and Tribal fishing for hatchery Chinook salmon occurs near the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery, but there is no fishing allowed for sockeye salmon, which are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The project is not expected to start until after the seasonal fishing closures occur. 

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit https://www.fws.gov/about/region/pacific and connect with us on social media: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInFlickr, and YouTube.

Story Tags

Anadromous fish
Fish hatcheries
Habitat restoration