WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
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FISHING RULE CHANGE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 |
October 6, 2020
Corrects location to begin at County Rd. Bridge
Action:
Change the steelhead daily limit to 2 hatchery fish.
Effective date:
September 1, 2020, until further notice
Species affected:
Steelhead
Location:
Grande Ronde River from County Rd. Bridge (approx. 2.5 miles upstream of the mouth) to the Washington/Oregon state line.
Reason for action:
The 2020 Columbia River preseason forecasted return for upriver steelhead was 95,500. Current predictions of steelhead returning to the Grande Ronde River are lower than needed to operate fisheries with a three fish limit. With concerns for broodstock needs and impacts to wild fish it is important to reduce daily limits to protect steelhead within the Grande Ronde River.
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. Chinook, coho and steelhead may not be removed from the water if not to be retained as part of the daily bag limit.
Refer to the 2020/2021 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits, safety closures, etc., and 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
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons 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 (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.
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