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: Snake River from the mouth (Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25) to the Oregon State line (approximately seven miles upstream of the mouth of the Grande Ronde River)
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: The Fall Chinook fishery remains open and anglers must cease fishing for salmon and steelhead for the day once they have retained their adult Chinook limit or steelhead limit. All adult Chinook or steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for chinook or steelhead in the Snake River. Anglers cannot remove any Chinook or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers should be sure to identify their catch because returning unmarked Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead are also in the Snake River during this fishery. Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2018/2019 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: Snake River from the mouth (Burbank to Pasco railroad bridge at Snake River mile 1.25) to the Oregon State line (approximately seven miles upstream of the mouth of the Grande Ronde River)
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: The Fall Chinook fishery remains open and anglers must cease fishing for salmon and steelhead for the day once they have retained their adult Chinook limit or steelhead limit. All adult Chinook or steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. In addition, anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for chinook or steelhead in the Snake River. Anglers cannot remove any Chinook or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers should be sure to identify their catch because returning unmarked Chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead are also in the Snake River during this fishery. Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2018/2019 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