Wind River will remain closed to fishing above Shipherd Falls

September 1, 2021

Action: Closes all angling in the Wind River above Shipherd Falls.

Effective date: September 16 through November 30, 2021.

Species affected: All species.

Location: Wind River from 100 feet above Shipherd Falls to Moore Bridge.

Reason for action: A minimum escapement of 500 wild summer steelhead is needed to allow for the opening of a catch-and-release fishery above Shipherd Falls on September 16. Based on the results of a recent snorkel survey in August, the wild summer steelhead return is projected to be far below the minimum objective. Summer steelhead returns have been low throughout the Columbia River basin this year.

Additional information: This area will be closed to all fishing to protect the low numbers of summer steelhead arriving this year to spawn. WDFW is planning to perform an additional snorkel survey in early September and will consider those results to reevaluate the need for this closure. However, we currently anticipate that this fishery will remain closed in 2021.

Information contact: Matt Gardner, District Fish Biologist, (360) 906-6746

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.