August 31, 2018
Action: Change the daily limit on steelhead to one hatchery fish.
Effective date: September 4, 2018, until further notice
Species affected: Steelhead
Location: Grande Ronde River from county road bridge (~2.5 miles above the mouth) to the Washington/Oregon state line.
Reason for action: Action is being taken to limit steelhead impacts as the run-size has been reduced to 96,500 A/B Index steelhead from the pre-season forecast of 182,400 fish.
Additional information: All steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for steelhead and must stop fishing for steelhead once the daily limit has been retained. Anglers should be sure to identify their catch as Chinook and coho salmon may be present during this fishery and are not open to harvest. Anglers cannot remove any Chinook, coho or steelhead from the water if it is not retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2017/2018 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc.
WDFW will continue monitoring returns of fish to individual drainages through the use of PIT tags and modify seasons as necessary. Please continue to check emergency rules if you are planning to fish for steelhead within the affected area.
Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist (509) 382-1005
Effective date: September 4, 2018, until further notice
Species affected: Steelhead
Location: Grande Ronde River from county road bridge (~2.5 miles above the mouth) to the Washington/Oregon state line.
Reason for action: Action is being taken to limit steelhead impacts as the run-size has been reduced to 96,500 A/B Index steelhead from the pre-season forecast of 182,400 fish.
Additional information: All steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for steelhead and must stop fishing for steelhead once the daily limit has been retained. Anglers should be sure to identify their catch as Chinook and coho salmon may be present during this fishery and are not open to harvest. Anglers cannot remove any Chinook, coho or steelhead from the water if it is not retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2017/2018 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc.
WDFW will continue monitoring returns of fish to individual drainages through the use of PIT tags and modify seasons as necessary. Please continue to check emergency rules if you are planning to fish for steelhead within the affected area.
Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist (509) 382-1005