Action: Changes the steelhead daily limit to two hatchery fish.

Effective date: Sept. 1, 2020, until further notice.

Species affected: Steelhead.      

Location: Grande Ronde River from 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 insufficient to operate fisheries with a three fish daily 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 unless they are being 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