Commission May Raise Fall Steelhead Limits

A strong run of fall steelhead may bring a lift in the limits for the season set to begin September 1. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet by telephone conference call August 27 to hear a proposal to raise limits. With a predicted fall return of more than 150,000 steelhead returning to Idaho this fall, Idaho steelhead anglers are anxiously waiting for September 1, when the Snake, Salmon and lower Clearwater River below Memorial Bridge at Lewiston open for harvest of adipose fin-clipped fish. Although slightly smaller than last year's run, this year's run will be almost twice the ten-year average if predictions hold. The majority of steelhead that cross Lower Granite Dam in the early fall seem to be attracted to the cool water of the lower Clearwater River. "The lower river should be great fishing for these early arrivals," Larry Barrett, fisheries biologist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in Lewiston noted. "Anglers should focus their efforts there until flows from Dworshak Reservoir are brought down." Anglers participating in the catch-and-release season on the lower Clearwater are doing well using Hot Shots, Wiggle Warts, and Hawg Boss-type plugs. Anglers are also catching fish trolling lighted lures in the Lewiston area after dark. Fish and Game reminds anglers that bait is permitted, but all steelhead caught above the Memorial Bridge on the Clearwater River prior to the opening of the regular catch-and-keep season of October 15, must be released immediately. Barbless hooks are required, and steelhead anglers must have a valid Idaho Fishing license and steelhead permit ($11.50). The tag must be notched immediately when a steelhead is taken into an angler's possession. Nonresidents need either a full season license ($74.50) and a permit or a three-day license/permit ($28.50). Limits are two steelhead per day, four in possession and 10 for the season, which ends December 31. Only one fishing rod may be used for steelhead fishing, even if the angler has a two-pole validation. For more information on steelhead fishing, contact your nearest IDFG office or visit the departments website at www2.state.id.us/fishgame.