September 2, 2021
Action: Reduces steelhead daily limit to one hatchery fish.
Effective date: Sept. 3, 2021, until further notice
Species affected: Steelhead
Location: Grande Ronde River from County Road Bridge (approximately 2.5 miles above the mouth) to the Washington/Oregon state line.
Reason for action: The 2021 Columbia River forecasted return for upriver steelhead was 89,200. These measures are consistent with the discussions and actions taken from North of Falcon pre-season season setting process due to a low forecast. Steelhead passage at Bonneville dam of steelhead from July 1 through August 29 is 33,906 and is the lowest count on record. WDFW has coordinated with comanagers, and while the overall return is low current estimates of natural and hatchery origin fish returning to the Grande Ronde are sufficient to allow for limited recreational fisheries to continue with reduced daily limits.
Additional information: All steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. Anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for steelhead. Washington licensed anglers must cease fishing for the day once their daily limit is 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 to be retained as part of the daily limit.
Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2021/2022 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc.
WDFW will continue to monitor steelhead returns and may update rules as additional information becomes available.
Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist (509) 382-1005
Effective date: Sept. 3, 2021, until further notice
Species affected: Steelhead
Location: Grande Ronde River from County Road Bridge (approximately 2.5 miles above the mouth) to the Washington/Oregon state line.
Reason for action: The 2021 Columbia River forecasted return for upriver steelhead was 89,200. These measures are consistent with the discussions and actions taken from North of Falcon pre-season season setting process due to a low forecast. Steelhead passage at Bonneville dam of steelhead from July 1 through August 29 is 33,906 and is the lowest count on record. WDFW has coordinated with comanagers, and while the overall return is low current estimates of natural and hatchery origin fish returning to the Grande Ronde are sufficient to allow for limited recreational fisheries to continue with reduced daily limits.
Additional information: All steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. Anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for steelhead. Washington licensed anglers must cease fishing for the day once their daily limit is 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 to be retained as part of the daily limit.
Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2021/2022 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc.
WDFW will continue to monitor steelhead returns and may update rules as additional information becomes available.
Information contact: Jeremy Trump, District 3 Fish Biologist (509) 382-1005