Emergency Hoh closures will protect wild steelhead

OLYMPIA -- The section of the Olympic Peninsula's Hoh River downstream of state Route 101 will close to fishing on Sundays and Mondays as of Feb. 16, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

Anglers may continue to fish in the Hoh seven days per week above the bridge but they must release wild steelhead. Wild steelhead have adipose fins on their backs forward of the tail.

The department also announced all of the Hoh and its south fork outside the Olympic National Park will close to fishing April 1. These portions of the rivers normally are open through April 15.

The emergency regulations are designed to protect wild steelhead.

Anglers should check the Fishing in Washington regulation pamphlet for additional rules pertaining to the Hoh River system.