Anglers Asked to Obey Rules and Respect Private Property

As more and more anglers enjoy steelhead fishing in the upper Clearwater River drainage, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds anglers to review the current steelhead fishing rules and respect private property. The past several weeks, Fish and Game has responded to reports of trespassing, property damage, litter and fishing in closed areas. "Knowing the current fishing regulations and respecting private property owners are a must," regional conservation officer Dave Cadwallader said. "Know before you go, be respectful of others, and always ask first before entering private land." Anglers are reminded that steelhead fishing is closed on the Clearwater River above Clear Creek, at milepost 76 on Idaho State Highway 12. There is no spring catch-and-release season for steelhead above this boundary. "This boundary has been consistent for several years and should not be confused with the salmon fishing boundary, which can vary annually depending on the number of Chinook salmon returning each year," Cadwallader said. The Clearwater remains open above Clear Creek only for the winter stream season, which allows fishing for whitefish and catch-and-release of trout until March 31. This also includes the Lochsa River upstream to Wilderness Gateway Bridge, and the Selway River upstream to the Selway Falls cable car. The Lochsa and Selway rivers require artificial lures or flies and barbless hooks. Bait is not allowed. Nez Perce tribal members have treaty rights to fish for steelhead above the Clear Creek boundary. "If you see someone steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River above Clear Creek, do not assume that you can too," Cadwallader said. The 2006-2007 fishing rules brochures are available at all Fish and Game regional offices and more than 400 license vendors statewide. Steelhead anglers also may visit Fish and Game's Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov for season rules and limits.