KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Spencer Creek will close to fishing Sept. 30, a month earlier than usual, to protect fall Chinook salmon that have returned for the first time in more than a century after dam removal , according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The tributary of the Klamath River will be closed starting Oct. 1 to protect spawning fall Chinook salmon, ODFW said.

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, according to the department.

In October 2024, fall Chinook were documented in Spencer Creek for the first time since 1912 after four Lower Klamath River dams were removed, ODFW said.

By closing the fishery at the end of September, one month ear

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